Alberta tenders two studies on future water supply and storage
The province wants basin-specific data to anticipate shortages and compare infrastructure projects as population and agricultural demand grow.
Why it matters
The studies will shape how Alberta plans and funds water infrastructure as population and farming demand increase across the province.
The Alberta government has put out requests for proposals for two studies aimed at gathering more information on future water shortages and infrastructure needs. The announcement came Thursday from the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas.
The Water Storage Needs Assessment will examine current and future water demand and supply, population growth and economic growth within each river basin, since water needs vary across the province. A companion study, the Water Storage Cost-Benefit Review and Guidelines, will establish common criteria for evaluating water storage and other water infrastructure projects.
Environment Minister Grant Hunter said the studies will help identify future water needs and direct public funding toward projects that most benefit communities, the economy and the environment. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer said the information is needed to expand water storage capacity and ensure dependable supply for farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
The province said the findings, combined with its existing 100-year water security white paper, will inform decision-making balancing environmental, social and economic factors. The needs assessment is targeted for completion by April 2027, with the cost-benefit guidelines due two months later in June 2027. Proposals for both studies are being accepted this month.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.