Publications

Being prepared for water shortage : a guidance document for municipalities

Description

This document guides development of a municipal Water Shortage Plan (WSP), or updates to existing plans. It could also be used by any community or group that depends on the consistent delivery... More ≫

Description

This document guides development of a municipal Water Shortage Plan (WSP), or updates to existing plans. It could also be used by any community or group that depends on the consistent delivery of water, including Indigenous communities, water co-ops, regional water lines and industry. This guide contains sections which municipalities may consider including in their WSP, but it is not intended to provide legal advice or fulfill a licence requirement.

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Guide to groundwater authorization [2023]

Description

In Alberta, water is owned by the Crown and its use is regulated by Environment and Protected Areas under the Water Act. The goal of this guide is to clarify the process applicants must follow... More ≫

Description

In Alberta, water is owned by the Crown and its use is regulated by Environment and Protected Areas under the Water Act. The goal of this guide is to clarify the process applicants must follow when applying to conduct an activity that may impact groundwater or divert and use groundwater.

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Guidelines for licensing water diversion projects : pursuant to the Water Act [2021]

Description

Alberta's Water Act requires that an approval and/or license be obtained before undertaking an activity in a water body or before diverting and using water from a water body. This document... More ≫

Description

Alberta's Water Act requires that an approval and/or license be obtained before undertaking an activity in a water body or before diverting and using water from a water body. This document provides guidelines for filling out applications for a license to divert and use groundwater or to conduct an activity that could have a potential impact on groundwater.

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Wetland application checklist

Description

This checklist is intended to assist Applicants with Water Act and Public Lands Act applications pertaining to wetland impacts, and to ensure complete and consistent application submissions.

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Alberta guide to wetland construction in stormwater management facilities

Description

Provides site assessment, design, construction, commissioning and monitoring guidelines for wetland construction. This guide supports the Alberta Wetland Policy. Where permanent wetland impacts... More ≫

Description

Provides site assessment, design, construction, commissioning and monitoring guidelines for wetland construction. This guide supports the Alberta Wetland Policy. Where permanent wetland impacts cannot be avoided or minimized, wetland construction is one type of wetland replacement that can maintain wetland area and relative wetland value in Alberta.

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Respect our lakes : understanding lake legislation

Description

Legislation is in place to manage and conserve our natural resources. By following this legislation, we not only ensure that we can enjoy our lakes today, but also into the future. It is... More ≫

Description

Legislation is in place to manage and conserve our natural resources. By following this legislation, we not only ensure that we can enjoy our lakes today, but also into the future. It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of regulations. For example, before starting any project that may alter the shoreline areas of a water body, you must have written authorization from all applicable regulators and a copy must be present at the work site.

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Respect our lakes : understanding lake science

Description

The scientific study of lakes helps us assess lake conditions and monitor changes over time. This is especially important as we are seeing increased pressure on lakes due to shoreline development,... More ≫

Description

The scientific study of lakes helps us assess lake conditions and monitor changes over time. This is especially important as we are seeing increased pressure on lakes due to shoreline development, agricultural practices, vegetation removal, intensive land-use and increased recreational use. Climatic variability also affects water quality and quantity. Through ongoing lake monitoring, we can track the state of our lakes and inform lake management planning for the long-term benefit of lakes.

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Respect our lakes : aquatic vegetation and lake health

Description

Aquatic plants along lake shorelines are important for maintaining healthy lake ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish spawning, nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, rearing sites for... More ≫

Description

Aquatic plants along lake shorelines are important for maintaining healthy lake ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish spawning, nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, rearing sites for young fish and wildlife, and they protect shorelines from wave and wind erosion. Aquatic vegetation also performs many important biological functions that maintain lake water quality, such as filtering runoff water that enters the lake.

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Respect our lakes : keeping Alberta's lakes healthy

Description

Lakes are one of the most treasured aspects of the Alberta landscape. They have become an integral part of many lives, whether you are a long-time lake resident or someone who visits lakes... More ≫

Description

Lakes are one of the most treasured aspects of the Alberta landscape. They have become an integral part of many lives, whether you are a long-time lake resident or someone who visits lakes occasionally for boating, fishing or wildlife watching. Unfortunately, many lakes and watersheds in Alberta have seen extensive land clearing and development, resulting in large amounts of nutrients entering lakes and settling in lake sediments. Years of reduced rainfall coupled with excess nutrients has resulted in lakes that have many water quality issues, such as extensive blue-green algal (cyanobacterial) blooms.

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Respect our lakes : cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These “blooms” are unsightly and produce objectionable odors, and can also induce skin irritation, itchiness and severe rashes upon contact. This pamphlet provides more information on the risks posed by cyanobacteria and steps to take to protect against possible harmful effects.

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