It’s known for running at high levels with a fast current, often leading to flooding in areas of Southern Alberta. But, this summer, the Oldman River is looking much less formidable.
“We had a low snowpack this year,” said Anna Garleff of the Oldman Watersheld Council. “The Oldman watershed gets its water from the headwaters, mostly in the form of snowpack. That releases it gently over time throughout the summer, as the snowpack melts, and the snowpack wasn’t great this year.”
The low snowpack, combined with a lack of rain, has decreased the Oldman River’s flow to about 75 percent of its seasonal average. But, Garleff believes there’s no need for worry.
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“People don’t need to be concerned that they’re going to turn on the tap and nothing is going to come out – that’s not going to happen,” said Garleff. “Our reservoirs are full, the irrigation canals are full, and we have one of the best water treatment plants in the world.”
Though there is no shortage of water, the Council is always monitoring the quality of water and the species that live in it.
“There is something to be concerned about, and that’s the headwaters, that’s where our water comes from” said Garleff.
She hopes that with some help from outdoor enthusiasts, the fish and wildlife population will flourish and less stress will be put on the water treatment plant.
“Keep the recreational vehicles out of the streams, stay away from fish habitat,” said Garleff. “Just be a little bit more careful when your camping. Camp away from the stream banks.”
Those are just a few ways to help keep a diminished river as clean as possible.
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