alberta’s strategy for sustainability APEGGA February 17, 2004

Water for Life Outcomes Safe, secure drinking water supply Healthy aquatic ecosystems Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

Core Areas of Focus Knowledge and research Partnerships for watershed management and stewardship Water Conservation

Safe, Secure Drinking Water Supply Source protection –working with all Albertans because we all impact water quality by the activities we do. Lead the development of continuously improving standards. –Ensure facilities are delivering these standards. Regional water systems Report to Albertans on the quality of drinking water Establish a waterborne health surveillance system

Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems Determine the requirements of the aquatic ecosystem. Setting and meeting objectives –Establish objectives for aquatic ecosystems, as part of watershed planning. –Incorporate these objectives in approvals. –Manage the water to achieve these objectives. Monitor and report on the state of the aquatic ecosystems to Albertans.

Reliable, Quality Water Supplies for a Sustainable Economy Determine the value of water in Alberta’s economy. Prepare an inventory of all storage sites that have been studied in the past. Implement and track water allocation transfers within all major river basins. Use all the tools of the Water Act to achieve efficient and effective use of water.

Knowledge and Research Three key elements: –Scientific knowledge of Alberta’s water resources –Understanding of emerging issues –Education – knowledge and tools to make effective decisions Establish a water research center to focus research on Alberta’s priorities Work with other organizations to achieve the greatest leverage possible

Partnerships for Watershed Management and Stewardship Focuses on shared responsibility for watershed management Three types of partnerships that have distinct roles and are complementary to one another Framework document in development – identifies roles and responsibilities

Types of Partnerships Provincial Water Advisory Council –Advice on provincial water management issues –Guide and track implementation of Water for Life –Identify research priorities Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils –Report on state of the watershed –Develop watershed management plans –Promote best management practices Watershed Stewardship Groups –Educate Albertans on the watersheds they live in –Undertake stewardship activities to improve and protect watersheds

Water Conservation Must ensure that the water we are taking from the environment is being used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Actual water use must be monitored and reported to Albertans so that they have a better understanding of what water is used for and how it is used. Investigate the merits of economic instruments as tools to achieve water conservation. Work with each sector to develop plans for water use improvements: –understand the current use by each sector and get this information to Albertans; and –develop plans for improvement and share these plans with Albertans.

Water Strategy