Innovation in Action: Protecting Alberta’s Waters Through Science and Technology

The health of Alberta's waters touches nearly every corner of our economy and everyday lives. From recreation and tourism to agriculture and local businesses; healthy lakes, rivers and reservoirs support communities across the province.

But increasingly, Alberta's water resources are facing pressure from harmful algae blooms and invasive species that threaten ecosystem health, water quality and recreational opportunities.

Through new technologies developed and tested with partners across the province, Alberta Innovates is helping Albertans better understand, manage and protect these critical freshwater resources.

Turning Data Into Action

Understanding where water quality issues are emerging and how quickly they are changing is one of the biggest challenges facing Alberta’s lakes.

Harmful blue-green algae blooms have become an increasing concern in lakes across Alberta, affecting some of the province's most popular recreational destinations. These blooms can produce toxins that pose risks to people, pets, livestock and wildlife, while also impacting recreation, tourism and local economies.

To help address this challenge, Alberta Innovates is supporting the development of new monitoring tools that combine advanced satellite imagery with water sampling.

The result is a more complete picture of lake health.

Researchers can now identify where blooms are forming, track how they spread and better understand the environmental conditions that contribute to their growth. The technology has already provided valuable insights in lakes such as Sylvan Lake and Pigeon Lake, helping improve monitoring and supporting more informed management decisions.

For communities, that means better information. And for Albertans, it means healthier lakes that remain safe and accessible for future generations.

Fighting Back Against an Invasive Threat

Alberta Innovates is also helping address another growing challenge in Alberta's waterways: Prussian carp.

Since arriving in the province, this invasive fish species has spread throughout many waterways in central and southern Alberta. Prussian carp compete with native fish for food and habitat, disrupt aquatic ecosystems and can quickly dominate entire water bodies if left unchecked.

At Blood Indian Creek Reservoir near Drumheller, researchers are testing innovative trapping and netting technologies designed to improve the capture and removal of invasive carp populations.

While the work focuses on one species, the impact is much broader.

Removing invasive fish can help restore aquatic habitat, improve conditions for native and stocked fish populations and protect recreational fishing opportunities.

More Than Environmental Research

Together, these projects highlight how Alberta Innovates is funding projects to transform research into practical solutions.

The immediate impact is healthier waterways, stronger ecosystems and improved environmental management. But the long-term impact extends much further.

Alberta has developed a global reputation for environmental science, water research and applied innovation. Every new tool, technology and capability developed here strengthens Alberta's innovation economy, supports highly skilled jobs and creates opportunities to commercialize Alberta-made solutions for use around the world.

Alberta's prosperity has always been built on solving big challenges. And by bringing together researchers, industry, communities and government together, we’re working towards creating new opportunities and building a stronger future for Alberta.