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Water availability engagement

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

Overview

We want to hear your 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.

We welcome your thoughts about any opportunities to increase water availability and more effectively manage water.

Status

  • Open

    October 31, 2024, to January 10, 2025

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

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

Get informed

Read the Enhancing Water Availability engagement guide to learn more.

Watch the November 14 webinar that provided a high-level overview of the water management system in Alberta, the intent of the engagement, some of the opportunities and issues we are aware of, and how to participate.

Get involved

Online surveys

Complete an online survey by January 10, 2025, to share your thoughts on increasing water availability.

Detailed survey

We suggest that those with prior knowledge of the water management system in Alberta complete the detailed survey.

Take the detailed survey

View a copy of the detailed survey questions.

Brief survey

A brief, more general survey is also available to share your thoughts on increasing water availability.

Take the brief survey

View a copy of the brief survey questions.

Share your ideas

Create a virtual post-it-note and share your ideas with other Albertans. You can post a new idea, like, or comment on other ideas.

  • What ideas do you have on ways to increase water availability in the province?
  • Which water management policies, programs, or approaches are working effectively? Which need to be strengthened, and how?
  • What do you think should be the top priorities for the province when considering its review of water management policies and potential amendments to the Water Act and its policies?
  • What technologies or innovations could help improve water availability in Alberta?

Share your ideas

Attend an engagement session

A series of online and in-person events will be held across the province with Environment and Protected Areas staff to answer your questions and hear your perspectives.

Register for an event using the links below – we look forward to discussing this important topic with you.

Regional open houses

Discuss local opportunities and barriers, including conservation, efficiency and productivity, alternative water sources and water allocations and transfers:

*Due to the recent by-election in Lethbridge, the open house scheduled for November 28 in Lethbridge was cancelled in accordance with the Elections Act. The open house in Fort Macleod has replaced it. 

Ask a question

Connect with an expert to ask questions about water management in Alberta and read responses to questions from other people.

Ask a question

Schedule a meeting

Organizations and communities can email [email protected] to request a meeting with government staff to share perspectives, information and ask questions.

Submit written feedback

Submit your written feedback to [email protected].

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 2024
  • 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.