Alberta to set deadlines, make other amendments for water licences and allocations in new bill

Changes to the Water Act have been proposed at the Alberta legislature in an effort to make it easier for communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses to use and share water.

Bill 7, the Water Amendment Act, was tabled by Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz on Thursday.

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The bill acknowledges that the Water Act, which outlines conservation and management of Alberta’s water, hasn’t been “meaningfully” updated since 1999. The province said its foundation would remain untouched, meaning existing licences and licence priority systems remain.

Bill 7 aims to streamline the process of water licensing, noting that licensees currently face time-consuming approvals and delays.

Amendments would allow the Alberta government to set timelines on how long it would take to review applications from farmers, ranchers and other groups so they’re able to effectively use their water.

Alternative water sources, like rainwater from rooftops or reused wastewater, would also become easier to use under Bill 7.

In a media release, the government also said details on reporting requirements for those with water licences would be worked out in an “upcoming engagement.”