For generations, Alberta’s ranchers have relied on water sources on public land to raise livestock and support their operations. Now, Alberta’s government is giving eligible ranchers a new opportunity to have long-standing agricultural water use properly recognized.
When Alberta’s Traditional Agricultural Registration program closed in 2001, grazing leaseholders on Crown land could not apply directly because they did not own the land. Registrations were submitted on their behalf, and subsequent reviews have identified errors and omissions in some historic records that may have left eligible agricultural water use unrecognized.
The change follows a review undertaken with the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association after concerns were raised about inaccuracies in historic registrations on grazing leases. That work confirmed examples of errors and omissions that could affect ranchers’ access to water sources that otherwise may have qualified for registration.
“Ranchers should not lose recognition of long-standing water rights because of mistakes or gaps in government records from more than two decades ago. We are righting that historic wrong and giving eligible ranchers a fair opportunity to correct the record and have the water use they have relied on for generations properly recognized.”
Alberta is reopening the registration process for eligible historical agricultural water use on unpatented Crown land. This will give ranchers an opportunity to correct the record, have eligible long-standing water use reviewed and receive the recognition and priority associated with that historical use.
The reopened program applies to eligible agricultural water use that occurred before Jan. 1, 1999. Applications will be reviewed using available historical information, including aerial imagery and water well drilling records where appropriate.
About 6,800 registrations on unpatented Crown land may be eligible for review through the reopened program.
“Alberta’s producers have been responsible stewards of our land and water for generations. Reopening this program gives eligible ranchers a fair opportunity to have long-standing water use recognized, helping support the continued success of Alberta’s agricultural sector while improving the accuracy of provincial water records.”
“Ranchers should not be stuck with a paperwork error they had no hand in. This gives grazing leaseholders a clear, straightforward way to get their water use recognized and keep doing what they do best, raising one of Alberta’s greatest products.”
“Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association appreciates the government recognizing this long-standing issue and giving eligible ranchers a fair opportunity to have their historical water use reviewed.”
By reopening the program, Alberta’s government is providing a practical path to correct those historic records while improving the accuracy of the province’s water information.
Quick facts
- Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2028, and about 6,800 registrations may be eligible for review.
- Eligible uses include water for raising animals or applying pesticides on a farm unit, up to 6,250 cubic metres per year.
- Applicants will be supported through guidance materials, information sessions and application assistance.
- The program does not create allocations for new water use, reopen registrations on private land or change existing licensed water allocations or priorities.