By analyzing sediment samples from the Peace-Athabasca Delta, Wilfred Laurier and University of Waterloo research teams determined that the freshwater level in the delta, and the frequency of flooding have been in decline since early in the 20th century. This decline in water levels can be attributed to climate change and will have a significant effect on not only to local people but also to the national economy.

Large industry, most notably the oil sands projects, draw large volumes of water for their operations from the Athabasca River that feeds from the delta. As glaciers that supply the delta continue to shrink and industry continues to use large volumes of water in their processes, the lake level will decrease in size more and more rapidly.

Source: The Cord Weekly