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Water availability engagement

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

Overview

We gathered input from Albertans on water availability and Alberta’s water management system. In Phase 1 we heard ideas and opportunities to improve the system. In Phase 2 we heard feedback on proposed Water Act amendments that were identified based on ideas from Phase 1.

These proposed changes seek to enhance the water management system in Alberta increase the availability of water for 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

  • Results under review

  • Completed

    October 2025

Who is listening

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

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.

    April 2025 – October 2025

Input received – Phase 1

During Phase 1 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.

  • Questions and answers

    An online question and answer tool was available.

  • 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.

Input received – Phase 2

During Phase 2 of the water availability engagement, Albertans shared their thoughts on proposed Water Act amendments.

  • Online survey

    Albertans provided input through an online survey from April 28 to June 30, 2025.

  • Meetings with organizations and communities

    Meetings were held across the province and online with key sectors to receive feedback on the proposed changes.

  • Indigenous engagement

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

Resources

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

Outcomes

Your feedback informed Bill 7:  Water Amendment Act, which aims to:

  • streamline regulatory requirements
  • improve water monitoring and transparency
  • allow lower risk inter-basin transfers to be approved by the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
  • support the use of alternative water sources, including rainwater and wastewater