The AER is responsible for making decisions on Water Act applications and submissions related to Alberta’s energy and mineral resource industries. The application review process, undertaken by technical specialists, considers Government of Alberta’s allocation policies, current water availability and usage, and other factors. All decisions align with the Water Act, applicable regulations, frameworks, approved water management plans, and direction from the Government of Alberta. We work closely with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) to monitor water levels and water use and with industry to plan and manage water allocations across the province.
As summer approaches, licensees are reminded that the Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations emphasizes the use of alternative water sources, including alternative nonsaline water (e.g., industrial wastewater, water from tailings ponds), over high-quality nonsaline water (e.g., lake or river water or fresh groundwater). Reducing reliance on high-quality nonsaline water supports long-term conservation efforts.
Licensees must adhere to the conditions in their water licences, such as the maximum diversion rate and any low-flow diversion cutoffs, to ensure that they do not exceed withdrawal limits. Each water licence holder must understand and follow the terms and conditions of their licence. Before diverting water, licensees should review their licence conditions to ensure compliance with diversion restrictions. Inspections and audits are conducted to ensure licensees adhere to conditions of the license. All licences can be viewed on the AEPA Approvals Authorization viewer.
Industry should be aware of active water shortage advisories and plan accordingly when applying for a temporary water licence under the Water Act. Water flow rates, shortage advisories, and other information is reported publicly by the Government of Alberta at https://rivers.alberta.ca. Licensees can use the Water Conservation Policy Map to compare desired diversion locations against the water-short, potentially water-short, and locally constrained areas.
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Contact Centre by phone at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at inquiries@aer.ca.
