The Environmental Law Centre Calls for Reforms to Alberta’s Water Governance Amid Growing Concern Over Water Availability
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
The Environmental Law Centre Calls for Reforms to Alberta’s Water Governance Amid Growing Concern Over Water Availability
Edmonton, AB – In response to ongoing water scarcity concerns and the increasing threat of drought in Alberta, the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has submitted key recommendations to the provincial government advocating for significant changes of Alberta’s water governance system. The recommendations, outlined in a letter to Environment and Protected Areas, emphasize the urgent need for legislative reforms to ensure sustainable water management, planning around variable water supplies and protection of the aquatic environment.
The ELC highlights that the current regulatory system is not equipped to handle extreme drought conditions, as evidenced by recent emergency voluntary water-sharing agreements. The Centre calls for significant amendments to the Water Act to improve accountability, efficiency, and sustainability in Alberta’s water management policies.
“The realities of climate change necessitate that Alberta modernize its approach to water governance,” said Jason Unger, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Centre. “Our recommendations focus on ensuring water availability for all users, legislative planning around climate variability, and clarity around how environmental flows will be preserved. The current system has served Alberta well for the past century, the system needs to evolve for the next one.”
The proposed amendments to the Water Act include considering water conservation measures, such as volumetric water rents for licence holders, the inclusion of drought planning and sharing provisions that enable adjustments to variable water supply, and the creation of a legislative entity whose sole focus is monitoring, researching and advocating for water for environmental purposes (i.e. instream flows).
“Alberta’s population is slated to grow significantly and with that growth there will be increased demand for additional water in an already water constrained system”, added Unger. “A modernized Water Act should provide as much certainty to users and the environment as a variable climate allows. We need our laws to enable flexibility to address water shortages and bring in new tools to effectively promote water conservation.”
The Environmental Law Centre urges the Government of Alberta to initiate broad public consultation on these recommendations and work toward implementing a more resilient and equitable approach to how we manage water.
Media Contact
Tracey DeGraaf
Director of Engagement and Strategy
Environmental Law Centre, Alberta
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:
The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) is a public interest charity focused on environmental law. Since 1982, it has provided objective legal research and analysis on natural resources, energy, and environmental policies. The ELC seeks strong laws to ensure all Albertans have access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. Through education and legal reform, the ELC works to strengthen environmental protections and promote sustainable resource management.
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