* Alberta's government is improving how water can be accessed and shared, helping farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities make the most of this vital resource.

The Water Amendment Act updates the Water Act for the first time in more than 25 years and is a forward-looking piece of legislation that balances the needs of Albertans, the environment and the economy. The act keeps the strong foundation of Alberta's water management system in place while modernizing the rules and processes to better meet the needs of our growing population and economy.

Passed in the legislature in fall 2025, amendments to the Water Act will come into effect March 11. The proclamation of these amendments implements a series of common-sense changes that will cut red tape, improve transparency and better meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities, while still maintaining the strong environmental protections that Albertans expect.

Clear, simple rules and streamlined processes will help farmers, ranchers and others more easily amend their licences and consolidate allocations under a single licence, while still making sure other water users and the environment are not negatively impacted. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to conditions on the ground and effectively access and use of water.

"For too long we've put up with outdated and unnecessary rules that no longer make sense. Starting today, Alberta's water management system is more practical and modern, with less red tape to slow down the good work of Albertans. I'd like to thank the previous minister, Rebecca Schulz, for leading this transition and doing so much work to get us to this point." Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

The Water Amendment Act removes barriers and improves processes associated with water licensing, making it easier to access and use water.

"These amendments will provide municipalities with the resources and tools they need to support their communities. By reducing unnecessary red tape, we will save time and taxpayer money. Enhancing reuse applications will enable further cost savings and new revenue streams." Josh Bishop, reeve, Wetaskiwin County

Water use in Alberta will be more transparent than ever, thanks to amendments that allow the government to set consistent measurement and reporting expectations for all licence holders. The detailed requirements for measuring and reporting water use will be informed through upcoming discussions with water licence holders. Alberta's government will also develop policy to establish how any prices paid for water as part of a licence transfer will be reported in the future.

"Amending the Water Act has improved access to water and streamlined certain processes, especially for users with multiple licences, like irrigation districts, which will improve reporting and strengthen transparency in water use." Richard Phillips, chair, Alberta Irrigation Districts Association

Alberta was the only province in Canada to require inter-basin transfer decisions to be authorized through a special act of the legislature. Now, a new category of lower risk inter-basin transfers can be approved through a ministerial order. Only transfers that meet strict environmental standards and limits are eligible under this lower risk category. Any proposed inter-basin transfer that does not meet these standards will continue to require a special act of the legislature.

The amendments also enable communities and others to collect rainwater from rooftops and reuse wastewater. This improves conservation and increases water reuse for municipalities, industry and others.

"Defining rainwater and considering water recycling and reuse are important to our operations. At Big Marble Farms, we are Always Growing(TM) fresh, local vegetables year-round, and to remain competitive we must use all resources efficiently." Ryan Cramer, CEO, Big Marble Farms Quick facts

* The Water Amendment Act is the first major update to Alberta's Water Act since 1999.

* The legislation was introduced on Oct. 30,2025, following extensive public engagement.

* Alberta's water licence priority system, based on first-in-time, first-in-right, remains unchanged.

* Royalties, bulk or volumetric pricing of water are not included in these amendments.

* Environment and Protected Areas will engage water users and licensees to establish and implement standards for water use measurement and reporting. Most large water users already have measurement systems in place to measure water use in their operations. Low- and no-cost options will be available for water users. Reporting will be made public.

* Seven inter-basin transfers have been approved since the Water Act was introduced in 1999, and five are in place today. All are for drinking water and municipal wastewater systems.

* The Water for Life strategy and its goals remain in place.

Related information

* Water availability engagement (https://www.alberta.ca/water-availability-engagement)

* About water management (https://www.alberta.ca/about-water-management)