Updated provincial Drought Response Plan

The Government of Alberta placed the entire province under Stage 4, the second-highest stage in its drought response scale, in recognition of wide-spread and persistent drought in May 2024. While some areas have since experienced significant rainfall, others continue to face severe droughts and water shortages, prompting the need for a more specific and targeted approach.

The provincial government recently released an updated Drought Response Plan that now categorizes drought stages by river basin. This approach aims to ensure that Albertans receive the necessary support based on their specific local conditions.

The updated plan reflects the unique conditions in each region, with river basins now ranked on a six-stage scale:

• Stage 0 – Basin drought conditions not occurring. The water supply outlook indicates no risk of water shortage in provincial basin areas.
• Stage 1 – Monitoring & observation. Decreased water availability is a concern.
• Stage 2 – Active management. Droughts are predicted to occur.
• Stage 3 – Priority call management. Assessment & administration of priority.
• Stage 4 – Multiple water management areas experience significant drought conditions. Access to water is difficult & water is in short supply.
• Stage 5 – Urgent & critical escalation of drought conditions. Emergency measures are needed to protect human health & public safety, critical infrastructure, livestock, & the environment.

For example, the Oldman and Milk River basins remain at Stage 4 due to very dry conditions, while other basins have been downgraded to lower stages. Albertans can now monitor drought stages and check local conditions using a newly introduced online map. As of mid-August, 36 water shortage advisories are in place for select water management areas across Alberta.

The provincial government’s approach involves classifying drought levels more precisely. The updated plan incorporates broader stage triggers and expanded management action options, which are crucial for improving Alberta’s drought response.

This updated plan is designed to be a living document to ensure effective drought management throughout Alberta, aligning with legislative amendments related to emergency declarations under the Water Act.