Overview
Using a source-to-tap, multi-barrier approach, this program regulates the systems that supply water to approximately 3 million Albertans. The remaining 500,000 Albertans draw their water from systems not covered by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) legislation including:
- farms
- First Nations reserves
- communal systems
- some homes
In these cases, drinking water is monitored by Regional Health Authorities and Alberta Health, with the exception of First Nations, who come under federal jurisdiction.
Alberta's program has 5 main components:
- protection
- legislation
- drinking water systems
- knowledge and awareness
- performance assurance
For more information, see Alberta Environment and Parks' Drinking Water Program.
Operator Consortium Reports
Legislation
Municipal water systems, their operator certification, water source protection and compliance are covered under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and other drinking water legislation.
Protection
Preventative measures and emergency responses reduce risk to water consumers and liability to the owners of waterworks systems. These measures include:
Drinking water systems
By law in Alberta, these systems must be constructed to government's design standards and operated according to provincial facility approvals. Key components are the drinking water facility assessments and funding programs for municipal and regional systems.
- Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership
- Facility Assessments
- Regional Systems Initiative and Water Strategy Initiative (AMWWP) – Transportation
Performance assurance
Approvals, compliance and enforcement activities ensure that waterworks system owner(s)/operator(s) meet the necessary standards and are committed to continuous improvement.