The Government of Alberta has announced the second phase of the water engagement process which will inform future amendments to the Water Act.
On April 28, Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) announced the continuation of their engagement process on water management in Alberta. EPA is seeking input on more specific aspects of water management based on input provided from the initial engagement period that occurred from late 2024 to early 2025. These aspects include:
- Streamlining decision making and regulatory processes for water licenses, amendments and transfers
- Enhancing water use information to support effective and transparent management of water by all users, including licensing and license transfers
- Enabling lower risk inter-basin transfers where it is safe and appropriate to do so
- Enabling the use of alternative water sources such as rainwater, storm water, wastewater etc.
Although the engagement process is likely to inform amendments to the Water Act, the GOA has committed to adhering to the Water For Life strategy, keeping the “First-In-Time, First-In-Right” system, not implementing changes that reduce current water allocations, and not adding any new royalties or bulk or volumetric pricing for water. High-risk inter-basin water transfers will continue to require approval by special act of the legislature (except during Cabinet-declared water emergencies under section 107 of the Water Act).
The GOA requests feedback from the public and stakeholders by June 30, 2025, by completing the survey on the water engagement webpage. EPA is also in the process of confirming dates and times for in-person engagement sessions throughout May. RMA will share details when they become available.
Water management is increasingly a priority for rural municipalities, as exemplified by resolutions such as 8-25S: Opposition to Water Act Amendments and Lack of Consultation and 7-24F: Improved Water License Approval and Compliance Processes. Resolution 7-24F highlights concerns around freshwater use for industry licensees while 8-25S highlights concerns around water availability, conservation, and proper public consultation.
RMA will continue to monitor the status of this engagement, any amendments to the Water Act and will provide input representing the water management needs and perspectives of rural municipalities.
Bezawit Lemma
Policy & Research Analyst
825.319.2280
bezawit@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com