Water Act Fact Sheets

General

Background and Key Highlights, FAQs
This fact sheet includes background information of Alberta's water managment policy and legislation, highlights of the Water Act, and frequently asked questions about the Water Act.

Water Allocations and Licenses

Approvals and Licences (PDF)
Alberta's Water Act requires that an approval and/or licence be obtained before undertaking a construction activity in a water body or before diverting or using water. Please use the Water Act Application form.

Additional Information on Approvals and Licences  (PDF)
This fact sheet provides additional information on industrial runoff, storm water and sewage lagoon drainage and outfall works, and modification of lakeshores or other water bodies.

Canada/Alberta Farm Water Program (PDF) (Last Update: September 2002)
Please use the Water Act Application form and Calculation form.

Temporary Diversion Licences (PDF) (DOC) (Last Update: June 2005)
Alberta's Water Act requires a licence to be obtained before diverting and using surface water and groundwater. The Water Act Application form can be used, or the "Application under the Water Act for a Temporary Diversion Licence" attached to this form can be used.

Transferring Water Allocations Under a Licence  (PDF)  (Sept. 30, 2003)
Alberta's Water Act provides for the transfer of an allocation of water held under a licence from one parcel of land to another.

Water Allocation
Protection of existing rights, categories of water allocation, household purposes, traditional agriculture use, and other licencing requirements is addressed in this fact sheet.

Water Licence Cancellations for Non-Use of Water Allocated by a Licence  (PDF)  (Sept. 30, 2003)
This fact sheet is about the water licence cancellation conditions under Alberta's Water Act.

Water Wells

Drilling Water Wells in Alberta (PDF) (Last Update: September 2002)
This fact sheet covers several ways that Albert's Water Act regulates water well drilling activities. Please use the Drilling Water Wells Application form.

Groundwater Exploration Activity (PDF) (February 2003)
This fact sheet covers provisions under the Water Act (Act) where an approval is required for activities related to the exploration for groundwater.

Other

Hydrostatic Testing factsheet (PDF) (February 2007)
This fact sheet describes when the two Codes of Practice (COP) related to Hydrostatic Testing apply.

Water and Natural Gas in Coal  (PDF) (March 2004)
In some areas, coal seams containing natural gas might contain non-saline water. An authorization under the Water Act is required from Alberta Environment before this water can be diverted, used, or disposed of

Surface Water Control Systems Application Process Simplified  (PDF) (February 2003)
Alberta Environment, the Natural Resources Conservation Board, and Alberta sustainable Resource Development use a one-window approach to ensure coordinatin of approvals under the Agricultural Operatin Practices Act, the Water Act, and the Public Lands Act.