Share the Water, a report co-authored by Water Matters and EcoJustice, outlines recommendations for a more equitable and responsible water allocation system for Alberta.

The full report is available for download.

Here are the report's key recommendations. Click to expand each:

Make water for basic human needs and the environment a priority

• Legally prioritize water for basic human needs and the environment.
• A certain amount of water should be left in a river at any given time. Ideally, the amount of water left in a river or stream ("instream flow") is calculated using scientific studies and traditional knowledge.
• Direct water to its highest and best use.
• Recognize that water in rivers changes seasonally and annually.

Develop legally enforceable water plans that provide Albertans with a secure source of clean water that works within the natural limits of Alberta’s environment.

Water management plans should be:

• Integrated and consistent with land use plans for watersheds;
• Made using the best available science and traditional knowledge;
• Informed by the public, including the participation of Watershed Planning Advisory Committees;
• Able to recognize existing Aboriginal rights to water and developed in consultation with affected First Nations.

Every major basin plan should recognize the needs of sub-basins (smaller watersheds within larger watersheds). For example, the Oldman, Bow and Red Deer sub-basins should be addressed separately as they are unique sub-basins within the larger South Saskatchewan River Basin.

After water is set aside for the environment, make water available to three different “pools” — domestic, agricultural, and industrial. Water will be made available in the form of “shares” depending on the volume of water available on a yearly basis

A water share is based on seasonal volumes of water. Shares can be allocated based on use or even by seniority of the current water rights. The Government of Alberta will adjust the volume for each based on the quantity actually used.

Create strong incentives to encourage water conservation and efficient use

For Albertans to be water smart, any future water rights system needs to encourage water conservation and efficiency at home, at work, and in the community. Some tools that might be useful include:

• Per unit charges for water.
• Penalties for withdrawing water above a permitted amount.
• Ability for a water user to provide “saved” water from water conservation measures to be made available to other users.
• Provide tax or other financial incentives for water conservation projects such as the lining or replacement of open irrigation ditches and improvement of municipal infrastructure.

Include groundwater in water management system

Manage groundwater better by including the registration of all wells, metering, identification and protection of recharge areas, and identification of overdraft areas.

• Assess the impacts of water users who take water from groundwater (like the impact to rivers, green zones, and other water users)