The Blindman River Watershed

The Blindman River:

• Flows 155 km from southwest of Winfield to the Red Deer River.
• Covers nearly 3,000 km² across Lacombe, Ponoka, Red Deer, and Wetaskiwin counties.
• Supplies water for households, wildlife, agriculture, energy and recreation.

About the Friends of the Blindman

Vision:

A healthy Blindman River watershed supported by an informed and engaged community.

Mission:

Advocate for better protections and management of our watershed’s ecosystems and groundwater resources through monitoring, education and outreach.

Policy Recommendations:

• Advocate for better protections for rivers (options may include public review of In-Stream Objectives, Water Conservation Objectives or alternatives, such as crown reservations, water conservation licences, water trusts, etc).
• Explore establishing a hierarchy of use for groundwater.
• No freshwater for hydraulic fracturing in any area, while under a Water Shortage Advisory.
• Stricter rules around Temporary Water Diversion Licenses (TDLs) so companies can not use them to avoid a term licence.
  • TDLs for hydraulic fracturing need to fall under Manual 25, or equivalent.
  • A maximum volume per licence, per year, per project.
  • No TDLs from shallow, non-saline groundwater.
  • Failing the above, no TDLs for hydraulic fracturing.
• More transparent application and approvals process for licenses.
• Advocate for single licenser for all freshwater licences (should only be Alberta Environment and Protected Areas).
• Public reporting of water use.
• Improved groundwater monitoring.