Alberta Easing Water Rules For Farmers

Alberta farmers will soon have more flexibility when it comes to managing temporary and seasonal water on their own cropland.

Beginning this fall, the provincial government plans to remove Water Act approval requirements for routine agricultural work involving temporary wetlands and areas that only hold water for a short time.

The changes will allow farmers to cultivate, seed, spray, ditch, drain or infill affected areas without first going through a lengthy approval process.

Currently, that work can require a farmer to hire a wetland professional, complete an assessment, wait for a government review and pay wetland replacement costs.

“Farmers should not have to spend thousands of dollars and wait on government approval to carry out routine work on their own land,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

The changes come after farmers and agricultural organizations raised concerns about the cost and amount of paperwork involved, particularly for activities considered low risk.

Wet conditions can create several challenges during the growing season. Standing water can delay fieldwork, damage crops and contribute to flooding and soil erosion. Pulse crops, including peas and lentils, are especially vulnerable to waterlogged soil.

Will Muller, chair of Alberta Pulse Growers, said being able to deal with excess temporary water earlier will give producers a better chance of growing healthy and productive crops.

The province said farmers will still be required to keep the water on their own property. Any work completed under the exemption cannot negatively affect neighbouring land or nearby infrastructure.

Alberta is also planning to simplify the rules surrounding tile drainage, which helps move excess water below the soil’s surface and improve growing conditions.

Rather than applying for full approval under the Water Act, farmers will follow a new code of practice and notify the province before beginning the work. If a project could affect downstream properties, consent from those landowners will still be required.

The changes to the Water Regulation and Alberta Wetland Policy are expected to take effect this fall. A new code of practice for tile drainage is expected to be completed in early 2027.