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“This review of our water allocation management system is about enhancing a system that has supported Alberta well over the past century but may not be sufficient to meet Alberta’s future social, economic and environmental expectations,” said Rob Renner, Minister of Environment. “Alberta has a good system, but the water scarcity challenges we face today were not around 100 years ago. We must adapt and be prepared.”
David Percy, former Dean of Law at the University of Alberta, co-chaired the advisory group. "Albertans are now coping with a greater variety and intensity of water use than ever before and are, at the same time, recognizing the environmental value of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems," said Percy. "We have drawn on international and local experiences to inform our review and to help us make recommendations to ensure Alberta continues to have a strong system to meet the challenges of the next century."
Gord Edwards, executive director of the Alberta Water Council said that the Alberta Water Council’s report outlines six areas of focus and 23 specific recommendations they hope will generate a broader discussion on policy options to sustain Alberta’s water. “If we are going to sustain our water supply for generations to come, Albertans need to have an open and frank discussion on how we manage and use water,” Edwards added.
“It’s vital we look at and talk about the issues of how water is allocated and used in Alberta today - before we face a water shortage crisis,” said Lorne Taylor, Chair of the Alberta Water Research Institute. “Good decisions are rarely made in times of crisis. We can learn many lessons from other jurisdictions’ experience of, as long as we are open to new ideas and perspectives on how we value and share our water resources.”
Renner added that the Alberta Water Council, Alberta Water Research Institute and the advisory group have provided valuable insights on water allocation management. “Their advice on enhancements to our current system will help to build the foundation of a renewed system for Alberta,” said Renner. Public engagement is expected in the summer of 2010.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cara Van Marck
Communications
Alberta Environment
780-427-6267
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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Report summaries
The way water is allocated and transferred can help mitigate the effects of current and future pressures on water supply and ensure healthy aquatic ecosystems. The Government of Alberta will use the work of the advisory group, Alberta Water Council, Alberta Water Research Institute and other sources to develop water allocation management principles, policies and tools that account for pressures like water scarcity, climate change, drought, as well as population and economic growth. The reviews will assist the department in its work to ensure the quantity and quality of water needed to support environmental, economic and social needs of Albertans.
The Minister’s Advisory Group on Water Management and Allocation investigated current and future pressures provincially and specifically for the seven major basins. The advisory group provided high level recommendations in five areas: protected water, reallocation of water, a systems approach, governance and future studies. http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8239.pdf
The Alberta Water Council provided recommendations on enhancements to the current water allocation transfer system. The council identified areas for improvement in six areas: protected water; transfer markets; unused water; conservation; administrative process; and data and information. www.albertawatercouncil.ca
The Alberta Water Research Institute examined water allocation policies and practices of other jurisdictions facing water challenges similar to Alberta, including the western U.S. and Australia. The Institute then conducted a comparative review of Alberta’s current policies to develop a white paper outlining ideas and opportunities on how the province can improve its water allocation management system in order to fulfill the goals of Water for Life. www.waterinstitute.ca
The Government of Alberta will review the reports over the coming months and use this advice to prepare recommendations for a renewed water allocation management system.
The water allocation management system review supports the renewed Water for Life strategy and action plan. The strategy outlines that new policies, principles, and tools must be developed to address growth pressures, promote conservation, ensure fair access and wise water use, and protect aquatic environments. The Water for Life action plan specifies that Alberta’s current water allocation system must be reviewed and renewed to meet future needs including the environment and other protected uses.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cara Van Marck
Communications
Alberta Environment
780-427-6267
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
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