Friday, October 31, 2025
The Government of Alberta has introduced legislation to update its Water Act, aiming to simplify licensing, improve transparency and support growing demand for water across the province.
Bill 7, the Water Amendment Act, proposes changes intended to make it easier for farmers, ranchers, municipalities and businesses to access and share water. The amendments maintain Alberta’s long-standing “first-in-time, first-in-right” licensing framework while introducing measures to reduce red tape and enable new water-use options.
“Water is one of Alberta’s most precious resources,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz. “By listening to Albertans and updating the Water Act, we’re helping communities, businesses, and our economy grow and access the water they need to thrive.”
Under the proposed legislation, the government would be able to set timelines for reviewing licence applications and allow multiple allocations to be consolidated under a single licence. Officials say this would streamline processes and make it easier to adapt to changing conditions.
The bill also broadens definitions to support the use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting and treated wastewater, giving the province more flexibility to develop reuse policies for municipalities and industry.
To improve transparency, Bill 7 would establish consistent water measurement and reporting requirements for licence holders. The province plans further consultations to determine how reporting and data-sharing rules will be implemented.
Another proposed change would allow certain low-risk inter-basin transfers to be approved by ministerial order, while higher-risk transfers would still require legislative approval.
Alberta’s water framework has not seen significant changes since 1999. With population growth, economic expansion and recurring droughts increasing pressure on water resources, officials say the updates are designed to make the system more efficient without altering existing licence priorities or introducing water royalties.
“Alberta has a growing population and thriving economy. After 25 years without change, Bill 7 will modernize the Water Act so farmers, businesses and communities can better use and share water and keep Alberta’s momentum going,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water.
Further engagement with licence holders is expected as the province finalizes regulations. Alberta’s Water for Life strategy and transboundary water agreements will remain in place.
