Water for Economic Development

SouthGrow Regional Initiative recognizes water as a key regional asset and is focused on ensuring that it is considered in all planning, especially for economic development. Furthermore, water for economic development must stay on the "radar" of all regional and government stakeholders. SouthGrow recently contracted the University of Lethbridge Department of Economics to research the existing water situation, both societal and economic; the existing legislation pertaining to water; the situation surrounding water licenses in the region and the impact of existing water licenses as well as the other legislation. Specifically, the following areas were investigated:

• License Restrictions
• Water Sources
• Approval Process for Water Transfer
• Information Sources

The research conducted not only provided SouthGrow Regional Initiative and its members a good understanding of the water situation in southern Alberta, but it also brought to the forefront a recognition that water was valuable for economic development.