Overview
Using a source-to-tap, multi-barrier approach, this program regulates the systems that supply water to approximately three 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 and 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.
Operator Consortium Reports
Alberta's program has five main components.
Legislation
Municipal water systems, their operator certification, water source protection and compliance are covered under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and various regulations, codes and approvals.
Protection
This refers to proactive/preventative measures and emergency response, reducing risk to water consumers and liability to the owners of waterworks systems. Proactive measures include source water protection, water and wastewater operator certification and lab data quality assurance.
Drinking water systems
By law in Alberta, these systems must be constructed to AEP'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.
- Drinking Water Systems
- Facility Assessments
- Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) – Transportation
- 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.
Knowledge/awareness
This is another key part of the source-to-tap, multi-barrier approach, for water consumers and operators alike. Learn more about water quality in your community by visiting the Regulated Drinking Water in Alberta web page.