On June 2, 2025, the AER will begin to use OneStop to process applications for energy- and mineral-related water use licences (including temporary diversion licences) and water use submissions. Visit the water licensing FAQs page to learn more about the systems change.
There is no change to the process or technology used for Water Act approvals. Companies can continue to submit the following Water Act approval applications and notifications for activities that require our approval under the Water Act through OneStop:
new applications
amendment applications
code of practice notifications
Please continue to submit Water Act approval applications for coal mines and oil sands mines to EPEA.WA.Applications@aer.ca.
Submit an Application Through OneStop
Application Scope
Our Water Act application requirements have not changed; only the process to submit water use licences and water use submissions as noted above has been moved to OneStop. Companies are encouraged to submit related applications (i.e., applications related to the same project) at the same time, as bundled applications. This helps us consider all aspects of a project throughout its life cycle, through one decision-making process, rather than repeating the process for each related application.
Please note:
- Project location information must be submitted as a digital spatial file.
- Companies must comply with our requirements and dam safety program and with the Water Act, the Alberta Wetland Policy, and codes of practice related to water.
Increased Efficiency
OneStop uses two review levels to process applications: baseline (automated) and additional (manual). The baseline review ensures that the application is complete and meets minimum technical requirements. All applications go through this process.
The system will determine if additional manual review is needed based on a series of risk assessment rules. Applications that are more complex will also be routed for additional manual review by our technical experts.
Contact Us
For questions about OneStop or this process, please contact our Customer Contact Centre.
Learn More
Find out how energy companies in Alberta use water by reading our annual Water Use Performance Report.
