Scientists from the University of Calgary are worried about melting glaciers in the Rockies and what they could mean for water supplies.

The researchers say there are signs the snow covered Athabasca Glacier was once wider.

They’ll be discussing their concerns at an international conference being held in Banff this week called “Storm Warning: water, energy, and climate security in a changing world.”

Canada’s rep for the United Nations Water for Life Initiative, Robert Sandford, tells The Calgary Herald the warming trend could also have a damaging and costly effect on our economy.

Sandford says work by scientists at the U of C could give us answers as what actions we can take.