FAQ-Water-Water Allocation

Water allocation is a tool that is used when trying to strike a balance between water consumption and environmental protection.  Where can I find information on Alberta's water supply?

How is water allocated in Alberta?

In Alberta, water diversions are managed primarily through a system of water licences issued by Alberta Environment under the Water Act. Municipalities, private companies, individuals and others can apply for a licence to divert water.  Diverted water is the amount of water a licence holder is permitted to withdraw from a water source in one year. It is usually expressed as an allocation consisting of a volume (e.g., cubic metres, acre feet), a maximum pump rate, and timing when a licencee is allowed to pump.

The current water allocation management system, i.e., prior allocation or ‘first in time, first in right,’ provides some certainty for users that invested in water licences in the past. During times of shortage, senior water licence holders are entitled to their allocation of water before more junior water licence holders, regardless of purpose, although there are provisions in the Water Act that would allow the Minister of Environment to address issues in an emergency.  The Water Act also provides a statutory right to water use for household purposes that meet certain criteria, and gives it top priority over all other water uses.

For more information on water allocation management visit Alberta Environment's website.

What is a water allocation transfer?

Provisions under the Water Act and the Water (Ministerial) Regulation allow for the transfer of an allocation of water under a license.  A transfer can only be considered where water is allocated under a license and where an approved water management plan is in place that allows transfers, or through an order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council that authorizes the ability to transfer.  For more information see the fact sheet Water Act: Transferring water allocations under a licence.

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