"MEET SOME OF CALGARY'S TOP WATER MANAGEMENT ENGINEERS"

Beaver (North American) - 7 Photos

This past Wednesday (June 19, 2024) marked two weeks since the rupture of a major water main feeder in Calgary, Alberta.  It triggered city wide water restrictions in Calgary, including a Stage 4 water restriction (outside water usage), together with a citywide fire ban. Restrictions remain in effect until all repairs are completed & the system tested.

Due to the nature & severity of the situation (a State of Emergency was enacted on June 15th), engineering teams/companies & experts have been called in to analyze, address and complete all necessary repairs as soon as possible.

On a lighter note, let's take a moment to visit the wild side & meet some of Calgary's other top water management engineers, those of the furry kind, the beavers.

Beavers are, of course, not able to build water mains that transport drinking water to our homes, but they play a key role in our eco-systems & water management.

Some ways beavers keep our eco-systems healthy & assist with water related issues are:*

1. Creating wetland habitats for themselves & other species;

2. Increasing biodiversity in plants & other species, such as amphibians & fish;

3. Improving water quality in their ponds, etc. through natural filtration, which in turn improves the water quality consumed downstream by people & other species. 

4. Storing water during times of lower rainfall & drought;

5. By actually minimizing flood risk by slowing the flow of water, which can delay & reduce flood peaks further downstream. 

(*Reference: Government of Canada - Parks Canada, 2022-11-19)

Now it's time to put some faces to that master of his/her own environment, the North American Beaver.

The photos below are of one particular family of six beavers.  I have not yet seen any kits but if there are any, am fairly certain they are sticking close to the lodge & making their appearances at sunset or after.

And this group of engineers is, of course, a family affair with apprenticeships at a very early age. If you ever need a dam or that iconic lodge built on the water, you know who to call. :) 

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