Waterscape - Bow River Basin
Keeping the River Clean

Managing range land for both cows and healthy streams
Riparian areas occur along streams and wetlands where moist soils and shallow water tables allow water-loving plant communities to establish. These 'green zones' are vital ecosystems in the prairie and foothills that provide habitat for wildlife, stabilize stream banks, and protect water quality. Cattle grazing in riparian areas must be managed carefully so that these delicate landscapes are not degraded.
Doing it Right
  • Healthy uplands
  • Healthy riparian area
  • Native trees and shrubs provide wildlife habitat
  • Planted shelter belt
  • Vegetated buffer strip along canal
  • Livestock grazing of riparian areas managed with fencing
Doing it Wrong
  • Overgrazed uplands
  • Riparian area damaged by overgrazing
  • Eroding stream banks

Down the drain: how bad stuff can get into the river
There is a widespread myth that water that goes down storm drains flows to water treatment plants. This is not true. Storm drains are only meant for rainwater and snowmelt. Many street drains flow through pipes straight to the river.
Doing it Right
  • Hazardous household waste to waste depot
  • Rooftop stormwater into rain barrel
  • Collect dog waste
  • Sweep driveway dirt to lawn or garbage, not road
  • Wash your car at car wash
  • Water-wise plants require less water
  • Rooftop stormwater onto gardens
Doing it wrong
  • Excessive use of herbicides and pesticides
  • Rooftop runoff is directed to street drain
  • Excessive use of fertilizer
  • Oil and gas residues from cars
  • Car washing
Waterscapes: