Water availability engagement

Albertans shared input on ways to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.

Overview

Albertans shared thoughts on opportunities or barriers that can be addressed to enhance the water management system in Alberta and make more water available to use for years to come.

Population growth, economic growth, and water variability are challenging the water management system in Alberta. New or updated policy and regulatory tools could be used to increase water availability for Albertans and optimize the water management system to better address these issues while continuing to protect the aquatic environment.

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation 
Ministry of Municipal Affairs

Get informed

Input received

Online surveys 

Albertans provided input through 2 online surveys from November 5, 2024 to January 24, 2025. 

Idea boards

Four idea boards collected feedback online and at in-person regional engagement sessions.

Read the ideas board submissions.

Questions and answers

An online question and answer tool was available.

Read answers to your questions.

Meetings with organizations and communities

Organizations and communities were able to request a meeting with government staff to share perspectives, information and ask questions.

Written feedback

Albertans were invited to send written feedback to Alberta's government.

Regional engagement sessions

Regional engagement sessions were held to provide opportunities to discuss local opportunities and barriers, including conservation, efficiency and productivity, alternative water sources and water allocations and transfers:

  • November 18 – Northern Alberta virtual public open house
  • November 21 – In-person open house – Peace River
  • November 26 – Southern Alberta virtual public open house
  • December 3 – In-person open house – Red Deer
  • December 9 – In-person open house – Fort Macleod
  • January 8 – In-person public townhall – Lethbridge

Indigenous engagement

We worked with Indigenous communities and organizations to gather their perspectives through online and in person meetings.

Engagement timeline

  • Phase 1: Engagement on ideas

    Seeking feedback from Indigenous communities and organizations, key water user groups and the public to understand challenges within the current water management system and potential solutions for increasing water availability.

    Fall/Winter 2024
  • Review phase 1 feedback

    We are reviewing feedback received during the first phase of engagement.

    Winter 2024/Spring 2025
  • Phase 2: Policy engagement

    Feedback will be collected on potential policy changes to address opportunities and challenges to enhance the water management system and increase water availability.

    2025

Outcomes

Your feedback may help inform government programs, policy, or legislation aimed to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.