Policy Initiatives

We champion proven and effective legal and policy tools to promote sustainable watershed management in the Bow River Basin and across southern Alberta.

What is sustainable water management?

Sustainable water management considers the protection of instream flows, long-term planning for global climate change & drought, and make aggressive use of tools designed to make the most efficient use of water. Water mismanagement of the Oldman River has taught us that failing to manage water properly will lead to water shortages for human and industrial use, and will lead to significant detrimental affects on the environment. Sustainable water management is about managing water wisely to meet societal and environmental goals. Sustainable watershed management rejects the assumption that the protection of instream flows will result in economic losses. And while sustainable watershed management embraces the protection of environmental values in watersheds it also recognizes the practical human uses of water. As evidenced in communities throughout North America and around the world, sustainable water management is possible and does not require a wholesale choice between economic development and protection of river health.

Learn more about our involvement with these policy initiatives:

It's Our Water Future Campaign: Promoting sustainable water management through the adoption of progressive and effective tools from around the globe.

South Saskatchewan River Basin Plan: Seeking water management solutions in southern Alberta that acknowledge the realities of our arid environment, climate change, and drought.

Watershed Planning in the Bow River Basin: Collaborative and action-oriented multi-stakeholder watershed planning.

Alberta Water for Life: Helping to lay a strong foundation for addressing key issues such as source water protection, water conservation, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. We want to ensure that the Strategy's stated goal of "healthy aquatic ecosystems" is upheld.

Other Key Policy Issues

We work with committees such as the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) Legislative and Policy Committee to promote better riparian protection and public involvement opportunities.

Protecting waters in Banff National Park: Parks Canada has a stake in protecting the headwaters of the Bow River watershed. While the upper watershed appears pristine and in good condition, there are several issues that remain unaddressed such as the management of hydropower dams in the Park.