Province says water management changes will help restore property rights

Posted on November 6, 2026 by admin

By Alexandra Noad
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The government of Alberta is removing regulatory barriers on cropland water management, with the aim of restoring private property rights for farmers. 

This fall, Alberta’s government will remove Water Act approval requirements for routine agricultural activities involving ephemeral water bodies and temporary and seasonal wetlands on private cropland, the province says.

Currently, routine work may trigger regulatory requirements if they affect a temporary or seasonal wetland, prompting the hiring of a qualified wetland professional, assessment, government approval, and wetland replacement costs before continuing.

“Farmers should not have to spend thousands of dollars and wait on government approval to carry out routine work on their own land,” said Minister of Environment Grant Hunter. “We are restoring private property rights and getting government out of the way, where it doesn’t need to be. These commonsense changes will save farmers time and money and give them greater control over how they manage their own property.”

After changes come into effect, the affected approval and replacement requirements will be removed for specified farming activities on private cropland.

“Water associated with these exemptions will continue to be managed on the farmer’s property, helping ensure neighbouring landowners and downstream infrastructure are protected,” said the province. “Instead of requiring a lengthy Water Act approval, Alberta will develop a clear code of practice for tile drainage on private cropland.”

The province says that where water could affect downstream landowners, consent will be required. Water managed under the agricultural wetland exemptions must remain on site and must not adversely affect neighbouring properties or infrastructure.

“Farmers care about wetlands, the environment, and the wildlife that lives on the landscape. Water, in wet years like this year, can have a detrimental and long-term impact through flooding and erosion,” said Alberta Canola chair Andre Harpe. “These management changes will allow farmers to protect our soils while continuing to provide habitat for birds, mammals and other species.”