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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Alluvial fan terminologies, processes, and hazards

Description

The resource describes alluvial fan terminologies, processes, and hazards. It can be used in conjunction with the Flood Awareness Map Application website to help Albertans understand alluvial fans... More ≫

Description

The resource describes alluvial fan terminologies, processes, and hazards. It can be used in conjunction with the Flood Awareness Map Application website to help Albertans understand alluvial fans and the hazards they present.

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Drought proofing farm water supplies [2023]

Description

This fact sheet provides information about drought security related to farm water supplies. Water supplies include wells, dugouts and other water sources.

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Water and wastewater operators' certification guidelines [2020]

Description

This resource outlines the Certificate of Qualification requirements for operators of waterworks and wastewater systems as per the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. It provides... More ≫

Description

This resource outlines the Certificate of Qualification requirements for operators of waterworks and wastewater systems as per the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. It provides municipal officials and facility managers with the information necessary to determine certification requirements, and provides operators the necessary details on applying for, and obtaining certification.

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Guidelines for licensing water diversion projects : pursuant to the Water Act [2021]

Description

Alberta's Water Act requires that an approval and/or license be obtained before undertaking an activity in a water body or before diverting and using water from a water body. This document... More ≫

Description

Alberta's Water Act requires that an approval and/or license be obtained before undertaking an activity in a water body or before diverting and using water from a water body. This document provides guidelines for filling out applications for a license to divert and use groundwater or to conduct an activity that could have a potential impact on groundwater.

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Synthesis report of the enhanced monitoring program on the Lower Athabasca River 2019-2020

Description

This document summarizes work completed for the Lower Athabasca River enhanced monitoring program for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Data that has been generated from this program to date includes... More ≫

Description

This document summarizes work completed for the Lower Athabasca River enhanced monitoring program for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Data that has been generated from this program to date includes surface water quality, sediment quality, fish health endpoints, and fish communities.

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Ecotoxicity assessment of treated oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) : 2019 toxicity and mesocosms studies

Description

This technical report, compiled by Hatfield Consulting, describes the experimental design used to determine the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPWW) treated using Syncrude's... More ≫

Description

This technical report, compiled by Hatfield Consulting, describes the experimental design used to determine the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPWW) treated using Syncrude's coke-slurry treatment process. The three primary components of the study design are: chemical characterization of untreated and treated OSPW; toxicological testing of treated OSPW; and assessment of aquatic invertebrate community mesocosm responses to treated OSPW.

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Assessing toxicity of treated oil sands process-affected water : experimental study design

Description

Describes efforts being taken by provincial regulators (Alberta Environment and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator) to gather scientific information to inform future decisions around the... More ≫

Description

Describes efforts being taken by provincial regulators (Alberta Environment and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator) to gather scientific information to inform future decisions around the potential for the release of treated oil sands process water into the Lower Athabasca River.

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Water wells ... that last : a guide for private well owners in Alberta

Description

Private water well owners are responsible for managing and maintaining their water wells. This publication provides information for private well owners about how to properly manage water wells... More ≫

Description

Private water well owners are responsible for managing and maintaining their water wells. This publication provides information for private well owners about how to properly manage water wells which is key to protecting groundwater supplies. Topics include: groundwater basics, water system planning, water well construction, contamination risks, monitoring, maintenance, water well rehabilitation, shock chlorination, troubleshooting well problems, water well decommissioning, water treatment, groundwater management and water well licensing.

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Drought proofing farm water supplies [2015-2018]

Description

The severe province-wide drought in the early 2000’s reaffirmed the importance and value of water to rural people across the Canadian prairies. Dry wells and dugouts, crop failures and dust storms... More ≫

Description

The severe province-wide drought in the early 2000’s reaffirmed the importance and value of water to rural people across the Canadian prairies. Dry wells and dugouts, crop failures and dust storms were all commonplace. Individually, these measures may not provide the level of drought protection needed, but when combined, they can provide a high degree of drought preparedness and security. A good understanding of your water requirements and water source options is a key first step. This fact sheet provides information about drought security related to your water source. Other forms of risk management, such as crop insurance, community networks or reducing livestock herds, are discussed in other Agriculture and Forestry publications.

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