Canada is in a race against time to safeguard one of our most precious resources: water.
As droughts continue to exacerbate the challenges faced by Canadian agriculture and access to clean water, a professor of geography at the University of Saskatchewan says the country is in a water crisis — and the impact is significant.
“The crucial thing is that water becomes food,” says Dr. John Pomeroy, who also serves as the UNESCO chair in mountain water sustainability. “We can’t produce food without water.”
Pomeroy says that for decades, Canadians have been lulled into a false sense of security regarding water assets, especially in regions like Southern Alberta. The reality is shakier.
“Canadians tend to assume that our water supplies are infinite and safe,” Pomeroy says. “But we’ve had long-term droughts in Western Canada that have impacted agricultural production and livestock.”
This crisis is not only a threat to farmers but also to the future of food production in the nation.
Several factors are contributing to the issue.
Pomeroy notes the alarming rate at which mountain glaciers are receding. These melting glaciers, once a source of drought-proofing for rivers, are losing their efficacy.
The implications for water quality are equally concerning. Increased episodes of harmful algae blooms have created serious drinking water challenges.
“Excess nutrients into some of the water bodies have made standard water treatment difficult,” Pomeroy says.
To help combat these mounting challenges, Pomeroy points to the Global Water Futures Program, a consortium of universities that aims to address Canada’s water problems through innovative research. Through the program, Pomeroy and his colleagues established observational stations and predictive models crucial for improving water management. This investment in science is pivotal in helping determine potential scenarios driven by climate dynamics, Pomeroy says.
As the climate continues to change, farmers can expect both hotter and wetter conditions, raising questions about our preparedness for a warming climate where extremes become the norm. A holistic approach is key.
“We have to manage water like the precious resource that it is…the foundation of our economy,” Pomeroy says.
A mandate sometimes easier to say than execute. With municipal and agricultural interests often at odds, Pomeroy suggests that a clear, strategic approach to water management is not only critical but necessary to avert potential conflicts.
“Maybe the simple agreements we have now aren’t sufficient,” Pomeroy says, noting that today’s challenges demand a responsive and integrative strategy, one that balances competing needs while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The stakes are high. As Canada faces potential shortages ahead, we must be proactive rather than reactive, Pomeroy says. “2023 was a shock. We had two-thirds of the normal mountain snowpack and a much hotter, drier summer.” This experience forced collaborations among various water users, demonstrating the importance of solidarity in tackling shared water challenges.
Going forward, Pomeroy says there must be an increased focus on data-driven decision-making.
“Better predictions will enable better management,” he says, advocating for improved forecasting and modeling as essential tools for navigating future shortages. With advanced technologies and research, Pomeroy says the industry can better anticipate and respond to shifts in water availability, supporting both recreation and agriculture along the way.
“Increased storage in the river basin will be necessary to manage water appropriately throughout this century,” he says. “It’s about finding ways to balance water needs across various sectors so that we can sustain both agriculture and the environment.”
As discussions around water usage evolve, dialogue with Indigenous communities regarding traditional knowledge and water management practices will be vital. Pomeroy advocates for inclusivity in future planning. “We need to consider all perspectives — including those of the First Nations — which have unique insights into sustainable water use.”
And those considerations can’t wait. The time to act is now, before the wave of restrictions and regulations overtakes us, Pomeroy says. “Water is life. We can’t afford to lose it.”
