All Resources

Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

Tags

Water and wastewater operators' certification guidelines [2020]

Description

This resource outlines the Certificate of Qualification requirements for operators of waterworks and wastewater systems as per the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. It provides... More ≫

Description

This resource outlines the Certificate of Qualification requirements for operators of waterworks and wastewater systems as per the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. It provides municipal officials and facility managers with the information necessary to determine certification requirements, and provides operators the necessary details on applying for, and obtaining certification.

Tags

Synthesis report of the enhanced monitoring program on the Lower Athabasca River 2019-2020

Description

This document summarizes work completed for the Lower Athabasca River enhanced monitoring program for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Data that has been generated from this program to date includes... More ≫

Description

This document summarizes work completed for the Lower Athabasca River enhanced monitoring program for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Data that has been generated from this program to date includes surface water quality, sediment quality, fish health endpoints, and fish communities.

Tags

Ecotoxicity assessment of treated oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) : 2019 toxicity and mesocosms studies

Description

This technical report, compiled by Hatfield Consulting, describes the experimental design used to determine the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPWW) treated using Syncrude's... More ≫

Description

This technical report, compiled by Hatfield Consulting, describes the experimental design used to determine the toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPWW) treated using Syncrude's coke-slurry treatment process. The three primary components of the study design are: chemical characterization of untreated and treated OSPW; toxicological testing of treated OSPW; and assessment of aquatic invertebrate community mesocosm responses to treated OSPW.

Tags

Assessing toxicity of treated oil sands process-affected water : experimental study design

Description

Describes efforts being taken by provincial regulators (Alberta Environment and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator) to gather scientific information to inform future decisions around the... More ≫

Description

Describes efforts being taken by provincial regulators (Alberta Environment and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator) to gather scientific information to inform future decisions around the potential for the release of treated oil sands process water into the Lower Athabasca River.

Tags

Alberta Community Resilience Program : program overview

Description

The Alberta Community Resilience Program is a province-wide capital funding program intended to focus on long-term community resilience. Building resilience means Alberta's communities,... More ≫

Description

The Alberta Community Resilience Program is a province-wide capital funding program intended to focus on long-term community resilience. Building resilience means Alberta's communities, infrastructure and watershed systems are sustainable in the long term. This program is not intended to provide emergency funds.

Tags

Drinking water information letter

Description

Information letters are used to formally communicate with regional staff in the department and other external stakeholders on matters relating to regulatory expectations or guidance on specific... More ≫

Description

Information letters are used to formally communicate with regional staff in the department and other external stakeholders on matters relating to regulatory expectations or guidance on specific issues relating to drinking water quality that are not captured in the current version of the Standards and Guidelines for Municipal Waterworks, Wastewater and Storm Drainage Systems.

Tags

Administrative guideline for transfer of water allocations (and agreements to assign water, and licence amendments)

Description

This guideline provides information about transfers and the process for completing a transfer of a licence. The guideline also differentiates between transfers, assignments, and licence... More ≫

Description

This guideline provides information about transfers and the process for completing a transfer of a licence. The guideline also differentiates between transfers, assignments, and licence amendments. The general intent is to ensure transfers are handled in a consistent manner across the province, and to provide assistance to those who are contemplating a transfer

Tags

Approved water management plan for the Battle River Basin (Alberta)

Description

This plan is the Approved Water Management Plan for the Battle River Basin (Alberta) and provides direction for the management of surface water and groundwater that has hydrologic connection to... More ≫

Description

This plan is the Approved Water Management Plan for the Battle River Basin (Alberta) and provides direction for the management of surface water and groundwater that has hydrologic connection to surface water within the Battle River Basin. The recommended options and strategies presented in this plan were developed through a Stakeholder Advisory Group, and are designed to strike a balance between a healthy aquatic ecosystem, a vibrant economy, and sustainable communities. Primary emphasis is placed on the need to live within the carrying capacity of the watershed, and the need to improve the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Tags

Communication and action protocol for failed bacteriological results in drinking water for waterworks systems authorized under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act

Description

This protocol is intended to ensure that test results that exceed the bacteriological criteria as described in the latest editions of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, or other... More ≫

Description

This protocol is intended to ensure that test results that exceed the bacteriological criteria as described in the latest editions of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, or other potential failures, are communicated to the appropriate parties so that follow-up action can be taken immediately.

Tags