FARMERS AND OIL DRILLERS IN PARCHED ALBERTA BRACE FOR WATER SHORTAGE
Drought in the western Canadian province of Alberta is stretching into its fourth year and farmers and oil companies are planning for water restrictions that threaten production of wheat, beef and crude. The severe conditions have prompted Alberta to open water-sharing negotiations among licence-holders for the first time in two decades, hoping to salvage output from two of its biggest industries. Alberta, which relies on melting snow and precipitation for most of its water supply, has allocated water since 1894. That system prioritises those who have held licences the longest, although holders rarely exercise that right.
Alberta's water talks underline the difficult compromises facing resource-rich regions adapting to extreme weather. Hydrologists say the future will bring Alberta more rain instead of snow due to climate change, which will strain summer water supplies. The province produces most of Canada's oil, natural gas and beef, plus big wheat and canola harvests, much of which it exports. Irrigation to grow crops in dry areas accounts for 46% of Alberta's water allocation, with oil and gas using 10%.
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