Drought is the result of natural variability of climatic conditions and can occur when there is a combination of sustained low precipitation and high rates of evaporation. This results in:
low water flows in streams, and/or
low water storage levels, e.g. wells, reservoirs, canals.
In Alberta drought may be caused by natural influences resulting from low snowpack, hot and dry weather, a delay in spring or fall rains, or by a combination of these factors.
The WID Drought Levels and Guidelines Document
This document was created to provide information on drought levels as determined by the WID, and the corresponding guidelines set out for each level.
Because these levels and guidelines were determined by WID, they may differ from those set out by any other district or the Government of Alberta, and are intended to provide information specifically for water users in our district.