Voluntary water-sharing agreements in southern Alberta
Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz announced the completion of voluntary water-sharing agreements between the major water license holders in the Oldman, Bow, Red Deer and South Saskatchewan river basins on April 19.
These agreements represent the largest water-sharing initiative in Alberta’s history, allowing the province to make the most of limited water supplies and reducing the impacts that a severe drought could potentially have on Albertans and our communities, environment and economy.
Municipalities with large water licenses in these basins have agreed to reduce their water consumption by between five and 10 per cent in 2024. The full agreements can be found here.
What about other municipalities in southern Alberta?
Minister Schulz has asked the rest of the municipal water license holders to voluntarily commit to reducing water consumption by between five and 10 per cent in 2024. This request is for municipalities in the Oldman, Bow, Red Deer and South Saskatchewan river basins.
What about municipalities in northern Alberta?
Water conditions vary widely from one river basin to the next. Neighbouring municipalities might draw their water from different rivers, with different water supply constraints.
Water levels are low across Alberta, but the risks associated with drought are lower in the northern part of the province. Northern municipalities may consider similar water reductions not only in solidarity with southern Albertans, but as preparation since water fluctuations are likely to persist in the future.
Regardless of region, Minister Schulz has asked all municipalities to take proactive steps to understand the condition of their water infrastructure and water licenses.
Resources
For up-to-date information on provincial drought preparations, please visit the Government of Alberta’s drought web page.
Contact ABmunis Policy Analyst kris [at] abmunis.ca (Kris Samraj) or the Government of Alberta's epa.drought [at] gov.ab.ca (Drought Command Team) if you have any questions.
