Publications

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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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 : 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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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.

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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.

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Roadway watercourse crossing inspection manual

Description

The purpose of this document is to provide stream crossing assessors with a good understanding of information and issues related to the management of stream crossings in Alberta and the means to... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this document is to provide stream crossing assessors with a good understanding of information and issues related to the management of stream crossings in Alberta and the means to gather relevant information quickly and consistently. It is is an expanded version of a guide developed as part of the Foothills Watershed Remediation Pilot Project.

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Alternatives for iron removal

Description

This fact sheet presents alternatives for iron removal such as: Air injection with filtration, Shock chlorination, manganese greensand iron filter, water softener, Chlorination and filtration

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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

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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.

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