Nov. 28, 2009

Consider the importance of the water we take for granted: aside from the reality that we wouldn’t survive without it, water provides us with the means to make a living, grow and process food, recreate, keep ourselves clean and brew beer, at the very least.

And, that’s just we humans. The other living things that share this Southern Alberta space need it too.

Trouble is, it’s finite and if we don’t take care of it, it sure can’t take care of us.

Some 270 of our neighbours have weighed in on what they think our water source, the Oldman River watershed, should look like over the next 10, 20 and 50 years. They’ve provided opinions like improving the quality of ground and surface water for safe drinking and healthy ecosystems, balanced water allocation and more efficient use through reduced urban, agricultural and industrial water demand.

For the next week and a half, the Oldman Watershed Council, “a not-for-profit organization that is working in partnership with communities and residents to improve the Oldman River Watershed” is holding workshops across the South to get feedback from the rest of us. The compilation of views will be part of an integrated management plan due for completion next year.

The process now seeks reaction to the vision of “A healthy and resilient watershed, with a safe, secure water supply for a stable economy and healthy aquatic systems, where people, wildlife and habitats can thrive in the face of climatic changes and extremes.”

Seems like a mouthful, but it attempts to deal with the realities of a watershed that has diverse demands put on it, reflected in the opinions so far.

Some would see logging stopped and forest area protected in the headwaters. Some want to see people enjoying fishing and boating in the rivers while some think less recreation along the forestry trunk road would be better for the water. Others see economic use of water as a priority over esthetics.

Behaviours and attitudes are a focus for many who see a lack of appreciation for the resource and an unwillingness to change habits that negatively affect the water supply as barriers to improving it. Some even decry what they see as a tendency to value the economy over the environment or having “tree-hugger attitudes.”

The workshops started Wednesday in Cardston. They resume Tuesday in Taber Heritage Inn, Wednesday at the Pincher Creek Heritage Inn, Thursday at the Lethbridge College New Residence Hall and Dec. 8 at the Nanton Community Centre. Two sessions, one starting at 3 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. are offered at each location.

In the end, the information gets sent on to the provincial Land Use Framework process for the South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council.

It’s impossible to fathom that land use planning in the area wouldn’t depend on the health of our water.

Or that the health of the water doesn’t depend on Southern Albertans taking a personal interest in it.