Study Components

The Climate Change and Water in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) project consists of two linked components, each funded independently. A physical modelling component will examine future water availability in the SSRB under the potential impact of climate change. A socio-economic component will assess the impact of water resource availability on key water withdrawal and in-stream use sectors in the SSRB.

Future climate scenarios project that some of the largest potential changes in surface water quantity will occur in the Canadian prairies. Adapting to these changes requires a sophisticated understanding of both the hydrological cycle within the prairie eco-zone and the adaptive capabilities of the socio-economic systems that depend on it.

Physical Modelling Component

Down-scaled Global Circulation Models (GCM) are used to project changes in local temperature and precipitation patterns. The climate information is then used to simulate future river flows in the SSRB using the WATFLOOD and SACRAMENTO hydrologic models. The results of the simulation are used to assess the impact of changes in water availability on the economy and society in the basin.

Socio-Economic Component

In the SSRB, where water allocation can exceed flow volumes, water use is a major concern. Should flow volumes decline in the future under climate change, this would have implications for water management within the basin.

Several major water use sectors are considered, including: Irrigation, Stock-Watering, Rural Domestic, Urban Municipal (including industrial), Industrial (not part of the municipal water systems), Mining, Thermal Energy Generation, Hydroelectric Energy Generation, and Inter-jurisdictional Apportionment, Recreation and Wetlands.