Should Alberta Change How It Manages Water?

Official title: Water availability engagement

Closed Legislation Agriculture & Food Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked residents how to improve water availability as the province faces growing demand. The two-phase consultation gathered ideas for updating the Water Act. Feedback shaped Bill 7, which would streamline permits, allow some water transfers between river basins, and support using rainwater and treated wastewater.

Why This Matters

Water touches everything in Alberta—your tap, your farm, your job. Population growth and climate variability are straining the current system. These changes could mean faster permits for businesses, new rules for farmers, and different water sources for your community.

What Could Change

Bill 7 would let the Minister approve lower-risk water transfers between river basins without a full regulatory review. New rules would support rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse. Water monitoring requirements would increase, making usage data more transparent.

Key Issues

  • Should water transfers between river basins be easier to approve?
  • How can Alberta support alternative water sources like rainwater and wastewater?
  • What regulatory requirements should be streamlined?
  • How can water monitoring and transparency be improved?

What Happened

Feedback from both phases informed Bill 7: Water Amendment Act. The bill aims to streamline regulatory requirements, improve water monitoring and transparency, allow lower-risk inter-basin transfers to be approved by the Minister, and support alternative water sources including rainwater and wastewater.