Engagement seeks information on how to enhance water management system to improve water availability
The Government of Alberta is seeking input on new policies, regulatory tools, and potential amendments to the Water Act to increase water availability. The goal of the engagement appears to be to increase the amount of water available for use while protecting the aquatic environment. Based on historic feedback, the engagement will initially explore:
- improving measuring and reporting on water use and availability;
- enhancing water conservation, efficiency, and productivity;
- improving water allocation and transfers to accommodate need and demand;
- clarifying use of rainwater;
- identifying opportunities and barriers for using alternative sources of water and wastewater reuse;
- identifying criteria for when transfers of water between major river basin boundaries might be appropriate; and
- updating or enabling additional exemptions for water diversions or activities.
The engagement was shared directly with municipalities, and includes a request for interested municipalities to set up a meeting between their staff and the engagement team. Interested RMA members should email epa.water@gov.ab.ca to request this opportunity. Additionally, a survey is expected to be available soon.
The RMA will monitor the engagement for future opportunities to provide input and will share resources as applicable with members.
Warren Noga
Policy Advisor
825.319.2285
warren@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com