flows downstream, it travels through habitat for large mammals
like mountain sheep, moose, deer, and elk before heading through
agricultural lands used mostly for cattle grazing. The Sheep
River then passes by the communities of Turner Valley, including
the historic Turner Valley Gas Plant, and Black Diamond before
reaching Okotoks.
If you want to know whether you can drink the water, Jackson
suggests testing for the types of land use that go on in the area in
addition to regular water tests. For example, test for hydrocarbons
where oil and gas is produced, test for fertilizers and herbicides
where there are golf courses, etc.
People, of course, affect a river’s water quality, too. Jackson
advises that caffeine is a marker that scientists use to measure
the human impact on a river. Tea, cola, and chocolate all have
caffeine, he explains. Drugs, whether ibuprofen or cocaine, also
cannot be metabolized completely and eventually come out in
urine. As these compounds cannot be removed at wastewater
treatment plants they will eventually enter the river. Jackson
pointed out that using natural cleaning compounds, like vinegar
and baking soda, helps conserve water quality for downstream
users. As water becomes more precious due to its scarcity, lawsuits
over fouling water supplies may, one day, become common — even
in Canada.
The solution to all of these water challenges that face Okotoks
and other communities? It’s simple, according to Jackson: “Don’t
put your head in the sand. Thinking globally and acting locally
still applies.” OL
