The Bow River is one of Alberta’s most historically, economically and environmentally significant waterways. Numerous factors are placing ever-increasing pressure on water supplies in the region. In 2010, the Bow River Project Research Consortium was established to explore options for re-managing the river system. Participants worked with an interactive, hydrologic simulation model to develop plausible and achievable scenarios for protecting the health of the river throughout the basin and meeting the needs of water users. Several opportunities were identified for consideration by the Government of Alberta and others with a stake in the way the Bow River System is used and managed. The results of this project clearly show that the Bow River System can and should be managed differently; proposed changes to improve water management are realistic with potential for substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits for a relatively modest cost.
Download: Bow River Project Final Report