New rules are in place regarding water storage and conservation.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) has announced changes to the Water Act with the stated intention to increase water availability, improve conservation, support agricultural production, and help protect communities from future emergencies.
Effective immediately, the GOA is tripling the allowable size and annual use of agricultural dugouts to 7,500 cubic meters. Communities and businesses will also be able to access more stormwater, with higher limits for stormwater ponds and newly constructed wetlands. There are additional exemptions in place to simplify water use for activities like bridge and sign washing, dust control, and fire-prevention training.
RMA is encouraged to see changes that allow for reduced consumption of freshwater by industry and agricultural users through enabling the use of stormwater. The new provisions also balance the business and development needs of rural Alberta by providing increased flexibility to agricultural producers.
RMA was an active participant in Phase 2 of the GOA’s Water Availability Engagement in Summer 2025, where advocacy focused on balancing the needs of the agricultural sector and supporting the prioritization of non-fresh water sources for industry use. RMA is continuing to evaluate implementation of changes coming out of the Water Availability Engagement, including the changes made by Bill 7.
For more information on the RMA member resolutions that have guided these positions, please refer to Resolution 8-25S: Opposition to Water Act Amendments and Lack of Consultation and Resolution 7-24F: Improved Water License Approval and Compliance Processes.
Bezawit Lemma
Policy & Research Analyst
825.319.2280
bezawit@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com