Alberta updates Water Act to meet growing demand

Alberta is proposing changes to its Water Act to make more water available for farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities.

Bill 7, the Water Amendment Act, would streamline licensing, reduce red tape, and improve transparency, while keeping the province’s 120-year-old water system intact. Existing water licences and the “first-in-time, first-in-right” priority system would not be affected.

“Water is one of Alberta’s most precious resources. By updating the Water Act, we’re helping communities, businesses and our economy grow,” said Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz. Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson said the changes will help expand irrigation districts and ensure farmers and ranchers have the water they need.

The act would make it easier to combine licences, access alternative water sources like rainwater and reused wastewater, and allow lower-risk inter-basin transfers to be approved by ministerial order rather than the legislature.

The proposed changes follow public input from farmers, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other water users. Officials say they will make the system more efficient and ensure water is available where it’s needed most.

Quick facts: In 2023, Alberta allocated 9.73 billion cubic metres of water, mostly from surface sources, but actual use was far lower. Some river basins remain closed to new allocations, and the province will continue to comply with transboundary water agreements.