Reducing vulnerability of water resources of canadian prairies to potential droughts and possible climatic warming

Past and the present studies show that the Canadian Prairies have become warmer and may have been drier in the last four to five decades but the drying trends are scattered and inconclusive. Statistical analysis shows that only the Winter and Fall (in some instances) precipitation is marginally related to ENSO and the PNA (Pacific North Americ) Index, and streamflow is highly variable. With uncertainties on the potential impact of climatic change and other uncertainties, several strategies are proposed to reduce the vulnerability of the Prairies to future droughts, where surface water is the primary water supply and agriculture is the major water user: (1) Continue implementing small-scale water resources projects and increase water storage through snow management, (2) increase integration between existing water resources systems, and (3) promote water conservation measures in agriculture practice, water pricing and water metering.