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Part of Search public engagements

Water availability engagement

Albertans can share feedback on ways to increase water availability and improve the province's water management system.

Overview

We are gathering input to help the government enhance the water management system in Alberta and make more water available to use for years to come.

In phase 2 of the engagement, we want to hear your thoughts on proposed Water Act amendments that have been identified based on feedback received during the first phase of the engagement. These proposed changes seek to increase the availability of water to Alberta municipalities, businesses, and agricultural producers, while continuing to protect the environment.

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.

Status

  • Open

    Complete the phase 2 online survey by June 30, 2025

  • Results under review

    Phase 1 results are under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

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

Get informed

Read the Discussion Document on Enhancing Water Availability – Engagement on Proposed Amendments to the Water Act to Improve Availability to learn about the intent and scope of this phase of engagement, including the key elements of the existing water management system that will be maintained, and changes that are proposed to the act to enhance availability based on feedback received from earlier engagement.

Get involved

Online survey

Complete the online survey to share your input on the proposed amendments to the Water Act by June 30, 2025. The survey closely follows the discussion document and aims to gather input on support for or against each of the proposed changes.
Take the survey

Download a copy of the survey questions.

Indigenous engagement

We will work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations to gather their perspectives.

Sector engagement

We will work directly with water using sectors, municipal governments, non-governmental organizations and others to discuss the proposed changes to the Water Act.

Engagement timeline

  • Phase 1: Engagement on ideas

    Sought 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.

    October 2024 to January 2025
  • Review phase 1 feedback

    We continue to review feedback received during the first phase of engagement to support identification of other potential regulatory, policy and program changes.

    February 2025 to April 2025
  • Phase 2: Engagement on proposed Water Act amendments

    Collecting feedback on proposed changes to the Water Act to address opportunities and challenges identified in phase 1 engagement to enhance the water management system and increase water availability.

    Spring 2025

Input received – phase one

During phase one of the water availability engagement, Albertans shared their 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.

Feedback from this engagement identified where the management system and supporting policies were seen to be effective and should be maintained; and identified opportunities where refinements to the Water Act could help enhance and support water availability.

  • 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 public 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.

Resources

The following phase one resources were provided to help Albertans share feedback on opportunities to improve water management and availability.

Outcomes

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