In some parts of the U.S., says Jeremy Schmidt, citizens can sue their government if it's not safeguarding their water supply for the public good.

A researcher with the Edmonton-based Parkland Institute, Schmidt isn't predicting Albertans will gain that kind of control over their water resource. But as author of a fresh report on the province's water management policies, he's hoping for much greater public impact.

"The Alberta government has only considered reports calling for market-based solutions," he says, in a study released this week at the University of Alberta. "There are other alternatives, better alternatives."

Those include aligning surface water rights with a system covering groundwater, and ensuring minimum flows for the protection of ecosystems as well as public health.

Born and raised in central Alberta, Schmidt earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Lethbridge before going on to complete a master's degree at McGill and launch his doctoral studies at Western in London, Ont.

He'll be back in Lethbridge on Thursday for events on campus and a public presentation at 7 p.m. at the downtown library. His report, "Alternative Water Futures in Alberta," is available on-line at http://parklandinstitute.ca

Newly appointed water and environment minister Diana McQueen has promised public consultations next year on reforming Alberta's water allocation system, Schmidt pointed out in an interview.

"This report is trying to get the conversation going," he says.

Southern Albertans already realize no more water is available from the Oldman River and other parts of the South Saskatchewan basin. But what they might not know, he says, is that climate specialists warn the 20th century was abnormally wet - and we'll be facing water scarcity if more effective allocation and control systems aren't developed.

"It's very difficult to predict" how severe those shortages may be, he adds. But studies of such scientific evidence as lake sediments and tree rings could show how far climatic conditions may swing in southern Alberta.

Research is also needed to determine what impacts "fracking" has already made on the groundwater beneath the Blood Reserve and Lethbridge, he adds.

"That has to be assessed."

But under its current policies, he notes, Alberta does not pay the same attention to its underground water as it does to surface resources. Existing policies don't align those two sources.

In his report, Schmidt also calls for a First Nations water council, one that's "self-designated and self-governed" with authority for water planning on their territories in co-ordination with other governing bodies. Their land and water are integral to their way of life, he points out.

As alternatives to the current market-driven system of allocation - water for the highest bidder - the report urges Albertans to consider a "public trust" approach or a "common-pool resource" concept in choosing a better way.

As Alberta's waterways face even more economic pressures, Schmidt warns water quality is no less important than its quantity. But many groups are taking an interest in those issues, he says.

"There's a lot desire to see an improvement in Alberta's water management."

By Dave Mabell, Lethbridge Herald