The Government of Alberta has released a new plan to support Albertan’s through any drought conditions this year.
The new 2024 Drought Response Plan, covers everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. It will help make sure that Albertans, communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses get the support they need, whatever the weather.
The plan outlines the five stages of Alberta’s drought response, the roles and responsibilities of partners to help everyone collaborate and communicate, regulatory and non-regulatory approaches and tools that may be used in various drought conditions and talks about how and when emergencies should be declared.
Alberta is currently at Stage 4 of the Drought Response Plan.
The province is now working proactively with major water users to employ all existing regulatory and non-regulatory tools available.
Under the 2024 Drought Response Plan, Alberta would only declare an emergency under the Water Act as a last resort.
Learn more about the Drought Response Plan through the Alberta.ca website.
This plan is led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas but also applies to drought response activities across Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Forestry and Parks and the Alberta Energy Regulator, among others.