Table Of ContentAlberta Water Council Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005 - 2 006
Table of Contents
Executive Summary Reliable, Quality Water Supplies for a
2 Sustainable Economy 16
Highlights
2 Introduction 16
Safe, Secure Drinking Water
2 Review of Short-Term Actions 16
Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
Medium- and Long-Term Perspective 18
Reliable, Quality Water Supplies
for a S ustainable Economy 3 Observations and Opportunities 18
Knowledge and Research 4
Directions 19
Partnerships 4
Conservation 4 Knowledge and Research 19
Introduction 19
Conclusion and Common Themes 5
Review of Short-Term Actions .20
Governance and Management 5
Medium- and Long-Term Perspective 21
Funding 5
Observations and Opportunities 21
Increasing Public Awareness 5
Partnerships for Watershed
Background 6 Management and Stewardship 22
Introduction 22
Introduction . 7
Review of Short-Term Actions 23
Outcomes , 8 Medium- and Long-Term Perspective 24
, 8 Observations and Opportunities 25
Safe, Secure Drinking Water Supply
Introduction , 8 Water Conservation 26
Review of Short-Term Actions Introduction 26
, 9
10 Review of Short-Term Actions 27
Medium- and Long-Term Perspective.
Observations and Opportunities .... 1 I Medium- and Long-Term Perspective 28
12
Observations and Opportunities 28
Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
Introduction 12
Conclusion and Common Themes 29
Review of Short-Term Actions 12
13
Medium- and Long-Term Perspective.
Observations and Opportunities .... 13
April 2007
Executive Summary
The year 2007 marks the end of the short-term timelines The structure of the Water for Life strategy is based on a strong
established under the ten-year implementation plan for the interrelationship between three outcomes:
Water for Life strategy. This review by the Alberta Water 0 A s afe, secure supply of drinking water
Council assesses the strategic actions commenced over the past
■ Healthy aquatic ecosystems
three years.
a Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy;
Water for Life represents a t ruly innovative and visionary
and three key directions in water management practices that
approach to water management. As stated in our
are intended to drive and achieve these outcomes:
previous report:
■ Knowledge and research — A lbertans will have the
Alberta has an opportunity to transform its water
knowledge needed to achieve safe drinking water, efficient
management challenges into world class solutions.
water use and healthy watersheds.
The strategy envisions policies and resources
far beyond ad hoc decisions and incremental ■ Partnerships — C itizens and stakeholders will have
change . . . Success will depend on focus, innovation, opportunities to actively participate in watershed
balanced social values and a g rowing appreciation of management on a p rovincial, regional and
the value of water as a scarce resource. The Alberta community basis.
Water Council views the Water for Life strategy as ■ Conservation — A lbertans will be leaders in conservation
a shared responsibility and a h igh priority for the by using water efficiently and effectively.
province and its citizens.
Efforts to achieve the outcomes must reflect their
The Government of Alberta is unique in its commitment interdependency. Accordingly it is important that progress in
to complete such a complex, evolutionary and all areas be consistent and coordinated.
comprehensive strategy.
It is the mandate of the Alberta Water Council to steward and
The Alberta Water Council believes the Water for Life strategy encourage progress under the strategy and to provide a regular
creates the possibility for a new water ethic in Alberta — one review of its p rogress and effectiveness. This report confirms
based on conservation, sound science and shared responsibility that progress has occurred in all three of the outcomes and all
for watershed management planning. Under this strategy three of the directions. Work on the strategy is well underway.
Albertans can create an enduring legacy that ensures a h ealthy
and sustainable water supply for the environment, for our
communities and for our economic well-being.
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Alberta Water Council Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005 - 2 006
The Alberta Water Council observations are framed within the
Highlights
following perspectives:
In assessing the progress made to date in the three strategic
■ The Water for Life strategy has momentum. None of the
outcomes, we note that much of the work underway is
actions discussed in this review would be underway
complex and demanding in nature and that significant
without its strategic umbrella and direction.
challenges remain.
■ This is not solely a g overnment initiative. Success depends
Safe, Secure Drinking Water
on a meaningful commitment toward the development
and implementation of watershed management planning In general, the Government of Alberta has made excellent
by watershed planning and stewardship groups, industry, progress toward the completion of the short-term actions
municipalities, First Nations, Metis settlements, and a supporting the safe drinking water outcome. The drinking
range of environmental and stakeholder organizations. water strategy is well on track. A c omprehensive facility
assessment has been completed, emergency protocols have
■ The strategy has proven to be complex, challenging and
world class because it takes a new approach to managing been strengthened, independent audits have been conducted
and regionalization projects are underway. There has also been
Alberta’s water resources. The original short-term targets,
set in 2003, have been affected by the high pace of a f ocus on providing information for the design, operation and
development in the province and by the realities inherent maintenance of p rivate water systems.
in executing ambitious plans.
In the longer term, work is underway on a comprehensive
■ Given the evolutionary nature of the strategy, it is entirely
“Source-to-Tap/Multi-Barrier Approach” to drinking
appropriate to reassess the actions at this time. This is
water protection.
an opportunity to use current strengths to remediate
weaknesses, reset priorities and define new initiatives to The next step in the strategy involves significant capital
investments. There is a n eed to work closely with
address current water management challenges.
municipalities, First Nations and Metis settlements on planning,
The actions of the first three years have established a
funding requirements and source protection measures.
foundation for future initiatives, and increased resources
were committed in the past year. The Government of Alberta Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
deserves recognition for this achievement. This is an opportune The work underway to develop assessment and monitoring
time to renew and resource the Water for Life strategy and tools for aquatic ecosystems has proven to be very complex. It
commit sustained financial support to ensure its success is intended to provide a scientific basis for future watershed
and realize its p otential as a t ruly visionary approach to planning. It will not be completed on schedule. In hindsight,
water management. the timelines for this project were too optimistic. However, now
is an excellent time to renew and resource a p lan for these tools
because of the recent government commitment of financial
support for water research. This will help the Water for Life
April 2007
strategy to provide scientific support for the effective Reliable, Quality Water Supplies for a
management of healthy ecosystems under watershed plans. Sustainable Economy
The specific actions underway to meet the objectives of
In the meantime, there is a need to develop initiatives for the
ensuring reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable
immediate protection of critically sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
economy are generally on track. Some good foundation pieces
These initiatives are needed in the face of rapid growth
are in place. They include preliminary work on automated
throughout the province. The identification of these areas
assessments of water availability and demands, the analysis
does not depend upon the longer-term development of new
of costs associated with supplying and storing water to meet
assessment and monitoring tools. They can be based upon
demand, the authorization of water allocation transfers and
existing information, resources and legislation. Many of these
the effective management of transboundary waters. The
initiatives could engage non-governmental stakeholders in the
Alberta Water Council believes, however, that the intent
execution of the Water for Life strategy. The Council believes
of this outcome should focus on new and innovative tools
Albertans would welcome a h igh-priority, responsible and
for managing supply and demand. At this time, the actions
participatory approach to protection measures.
underway tend to enhance existing mechanisms rather than
There has been good progress in developing a w etlands policy develop such new capabilities.
through the Alberta Water Council. An effective policy would
In the context of a f inite water supply, there is an opportunity
provide guidance for the definition of specific protection
measures to support healthy aquatic ecosystems across to develop a renewed focus encouraging cutting-edge
the province. It is also important to the other two strategic information systems, effective reallocation practices, short-term
water markets, strategic infrastructure planning and holistic
outcomes. Wetlands can be an important component of healthy
source supplies for private and public drinking water users. water management practices. Non-governmental stakeholders
should be encouraged to become actively involved in
They can contribute to availability of water supplies required to
such initiatives.
support a sustainable economy.
Overall, the Alberta Water Council believes that the potential
A l onger-term opportunity for ensuring healthy aquatic
of this outcome should be to strive for world class capabilities
ecosystems also exists in the initiative by the Government of
in water management tools and techniques in the context of a
Alberta to develop a new framework for land use. There are
clearly stated vision of supply limitations.
important links between land and water. Land use planning
is integral to meeting water management objectives. Specific
planning policies to strengthen the strategic outcomes of the
Water for Life strategy could be a k ey result of the initiative.
Alberta Water Council Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005 - 2 006
The actions taken to achieve the three strategic outcomes that their potential could go far beyond the basic principles
are supported by three key directions in Alberta water outlined in the Water for Life strategy. The challenge is to
management practices: maintain volunteer commitment through the actual capability
of these groups to lead and influence planning. Watershed
Knowledge and Research
Planning and Advisory Councils, in particular, require
There has been excellent progress in this direction. A r esearch
sustained funding to support their activities.
strategy has been defined and approved. The Alberta Water
Research Institute has been formed, under Alberta Ingenuity, The Alberta Water Council also notes the importance of
to implement the strategy. The Government of Alberta has meeting the planning challenges created by the heavy
allocated $30-million in funding for water research. The allocations in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. The
advisory boards of the Institute will provide a g overnance South Saskatchewan River Basin Water Management Plan
structure to involve a b road range of stakeholders in addressing has set major restrictions on the expanded use of water in
research needs. the Oldman and Bow River basins. The Council believes that
this underscores the need to develop cooperative methods of
There is an opportunity to meet the specific needs and gaps
preserving river flows, to develop effective planning tools and
related to research and knowledge under the other five strategic
financial support for the Watershed Planning and Advisory
elements of the Water for Life strategy. This direction has
Councils, and to clearly understand future supply capabilities
become a k ey strength of the strategy. Alberta is in a p osition to
and demand dynamics.
achieve world class capabilities.
Conservation
Partnerships
After a challenging start in the first year, this direction now has
Good progress has been made in developing partnership
momentum. Progress is being made in monitoring actual water
capabilities to support participatory watershed planning in the
use, understanding the value of water for economic and social
province. The Alberta Water Council is entering its third year
purposes, exploring the use of economic incentives to enhance
of operation, seven Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils
the wise use of water, and improving public awareness and
have been formed and the Government of Alberta has provided
knowledge about the importance of conservation.
funding to local Watershed Stewardship Groups. The support
given to fulfilling the capacity and output of these three Many of these initiatives are complex and involve change in
levels of p artnership has been encouraging. The short-term public expectations and behaviour. The Alberta Water Council
targets, however, were very aggressive and are being redefined. believes that it may be appropriate for the Government of
Developing true and meaningful partnerships takes time and Alberta to facilitate change through specific policy compelling
a commitment to a d esired set of shared outcomes. Given the the wise use of water.
complexities, this initiative has made good progress.
The Alberta Water Council believes that, in the long term,
Partnerships are innovative governance models for watershed the wise use of water, through the effective management of
planning. The Alberta Water Council believes that the initial demand, is a critical component in the development of a t rue
enthusiasm shown by stakeholders to participate indicates conservation ethic in the province.
April 2007
Conclusion and Common Themes ■ The establishment of a W ater for Life endowment fund.
The income from such a f und could be allocated to the
This review covers the first three years of the ten-year
requirements of p artnerships such as the operating budgets
implementation program planned for the Water for Life strategy.
for the Alberta Water Council, Watershed Planning and
Progress has been shown in all of the short-term actions Advisory Councils and the Alberta Stewardship Network,
defined in the strategy There is momentum in most areas. In
which represents and provides support to community
general, the strategy is on track.
Watershed Stewardship Groups. It could also provide
The foundation for specific strategic commitments and funding for projects undertaken by non-governmental
programs in water management is being established. Given the stakeholders in support of Water for Life actions
and outcomes.
pace of economic activity in Alberta, this is an ideal time to
renew and resource the Water for Life strategy. The dynamics
Increasing Public Awareness
of the strategy require renewed vision, leadership and funding.
It is critical to foster an understanding of water topics and
Our concluding observations arise from a number of common
issues and to provide opportunities for Albertans to develop a
themes in this regard.
stewardship ethic for the resource. Public awareness and the
Governance and Management understanding that it creates can provide a d river for other
elements of the strategy.
There is an opportunity to review the appropriate structure
for the long-term implementation of the Water for Life A c omprehensive approach to promoting public awareness of
strategy This could include a specific and senior leadership water management issues would be a t imely addition. Public
responsibility to manage, drive and be accountable for the awareness could include modules aligned to the six elements of
vision and all elements of the strategy. the Water for Life strategy.
Funding
An overall plan to provide significant and sustainable
funding for the Water for Life strategy is required. We have
two suggestions:
■ An annual review by the Treasury Board Secretariat of
all initiatives to confirm that funding is coordinated,
prioritized and meets the needs of the strategy; and
Alberta Water Council Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005 - 2 006
Background
The Water for Life strategy represents a t ruly innovative and
Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability is a d ynamic
and comprehensive long-term plan for the achievement of visionary approach to water management. As stated in our
three strategic outcomes in water management: previous report:
□ A s afe, secure supply of drinking water for Alberta has an opportunity to transform its water
future generations. management challenges into world class solutions.
■ The establishment, maintenance and protection of healthy The strategy envisions policies and resources far
aquatic ecosystems. beyond ad hoc decisions and incremental change. . . .
Success will depend on focus, innovation, balanced
■ The availability of reliable, quality water supplies for a
social values and a g rowing appreciation of the value
sustainable economy.
of water as a scarce resource. The Alberta Water
The actions taken to achieve these strategic outcomes Council views Water for Life as a shared responsibility
will be driven by three key directions in Alberta water and a h igh priority for the province and its citizens.
management practices:
Alberta is unique in its commitment to complete such a
■ Knowledge and Research: Initiatives will be based on
complex and evolutionary strategy.
sound science and facts.
The Alberta Water Council believes that there is a strong
■ Partnerships: Most solutions to water issues will arise
from the effective management of individual watersheds. underlying vision associated with Water for Life. The strategy
They are best defined through collaboration with specific is creating a new water ethic for the province. The demand
for water will be reduced as Albertans become conscious of
stakeholders and the public. Input is required on a
provincial, regional and community basis. limiting consumptive uses and using innovative management
methods. The maintenance of healthy watersheds will be based
■ Conservation: Usage, preservation and storage practices
upon sound science and be ultimately valued by the public.
must be improved through conservation efforts and
an increased efficiency and productivity in water use The limits of a w atershed’s capacity will be better understood
and respected. Truly participatory watershed planning will
and management.
complement and encourage sustainable economic development.
Water for Life is a b alanced and interdependent strategy. Safe drinking water will be available and assured across
Each outcome depends upon the successful achievement of
the province.
the others, and each of the directions must drive all three
There is an opportunity to build on the progress achieved in
outcomes. It is important that progress in all areas be consistent
and coordinated. the first three years of the strategy and create an enduring
legacy that ensures a h ealthy and sustainable water supply for
Alberta’s environment, communities and economic well-being.
April 2007
Introduction
A m ajor role of the Alberta Water Council is to steward the the day. They have been affected by the subsequent high
successful implementation of the Water for Life strategy. This pace of development in the province and by the realities
responsibility includes an annual review of the implementation inherent in executing ambitious plans.
progress and effectiveness. Gaps and timeline lapses are therefore inevitable within the
scope of an ambitious plan. This review notes inconsistent
The strategy contains an implementation plan outlining a series
of p roposed actions to support the outcomes. These are staged progress under some of the short-term actions of the
strategy. Given the evolutionary nature of the strategy, it
over a t en-year period.
is entirely appropriate to reassess the actions at this time.
The first Alberta Water Council review, issued in October 2005, This provides an opportunity to reset priorities, use current
covered the first year of implementation and was general and successes to remediate weaknesses and to define new
conceptual in nature. Its purpose was to provide Albertans with initiatives to address current water management challenges.
a p erspective on the purpose and scope of the Water for Life □ The experiences of the first three years establish a
strategy and to comment on its initial progress. The report foundation for future success. However, the challenges
emphasized the interdependence among the six strategic
that accompany them have also shown that the successful
elements. Progress was noted under all elements of the strategy, execution of the Water for Life strategy will depend on
and a strong start in year one was commended. a renewed commitment for sustained financial support.
Otherwise momentum will be lost unless this is p resent.
March 2007 marks the end of the short-term timelines
originally established under the Water for Life strategy This A r eview of the progress under each outcome and direction
review assesses implementation progress up to this date. follows. Comments for each strategic element are organized
as follows:
Through the Council’s review of the strategic actions, several
themes emerged: n The specific short-term actions, as defined in the
Water for Life strategy, are reviewed and assessed.
M The Water for Life strategy has momentum. None of the
actions discussed in this review would be underway today □ Progress is reviewed within the perspective of the medium-
without its strategic umbrella and direction. and long-term targets of Water for Life.
■ Observations and opportunities are discussed with a
■ This is not solely a g overnment initiative. Success depends
focus on those actions that can energize the momentum
on the meaningful commitment and involvement of
watershed planning and stewardship groups, industry, of the Water for Life strategy and promote the involvement
and commitment of a b roader range of stakeholders in its
municipalities, First Nations, Metis settlements, and a
execution and success.
range of stakeholder and environmental organizations.
■ The strategy has proven to be complex, challenging and The review concludes with a d iscussion of common themes and
world class. The original short-term targets, set in 2003, opportunities to improve the governance, funding and public
awareness of the strategy
were a snapshot in time that reflected the priorities of
Alberta Water Council
Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005 - 2 006
Outcomes
Safe , S ecure Drinking Water Supply
Commitment: Albertans will
Introduction
be assured that their drinking
water is safe. Standards and programs governing municipal water supplies
in Alberta were relatively robust and mature before the
release of the Water for Life strategy. Alberta leads the country
Short-Term Target: Alberta has a
in its standards and operating performance. However, the
comprehensive strategy to protect
Water for Life strategy’s focus on drinking water recognized
Albertans’ drinking water. that a structured review and long-term development program
were necessary to ensure both the continuation and evolution
Medium-Term Target: Albertans
of existing standards and the development of capabilities to
have full and complete knowledge
meet the long-term requirements, safety and expectations
of drinking water issues and
of a g rowing population. The intent is to provide long-term
real-time access to information assurance to Albertans that they can all rely on access to safe
about the drinking water quality in drinking water supplies.
their community.
The short-term actions under this outcome are intended
to provide the tools and capabilities to enable such a
Long-Term Target: Alberta’s drinking
water infrastructure meets emerging comprehensive drinking water strategy to be defined
standards and is m anaged for and implemented.
long-term sustainability.
