Water Act exemptions to allow more for dugouts

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

New exemptions to the Water Act announced Tuesday will increase water availability for Alberta farmers, ranchers, communities and businesses.

The new rules will allow farmers and ranchers to fill dugouts up to 7,500 cubic metres with available water, provided it is used for agricultural purposes. The change represents a threefold increase in the amount of available water that can be captured under the exemption.

The expanded exemptions are designed to protect farmers and ranchers form future droughts and bolster agricultural operations.

“Albertans asked for practical improvements to make more water available, and we’re delivering,” said new Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Grant Hunter. “These changes make it easier for farmers, businesses and communities to access and store water. It’s good for the communities, the environment and the economy.”

The government is also implementing policies to reduce fresh water consumption by making it easier for communities and businesses to use stormwater instead. Newly constructed wetlands will be allowed to capture 7,500 cubic metres of local surface runoff per year, a 1,250 cubic-metre increase from the previous limit.

Other changes streamline the process for accessing water from borrow pits on unoccupied public land in the Green Area, supplying water to temporary work camps and using water for bridge, sign washing and dust control.

The changes come after the Water Amendment Act passed in the fall session of the legislature simplified licensing for watering plants and ended a 10 per cent holdback on water licence transfers, measures the province says gives Albertans more freedom to water.

“Reliable access to water is essential for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers, especially as they manage drought risk and plan for the future.” said R.J. Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “These practical changes respond directly to what producers and rural communities have been asking for – making it easier to store and use water responsibly so agricultural operations can remain strong, resilient and productive.”

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