Survey aims to set fair water reporting limits for livestock producers
The Government of Alberta has introduced changes to the Water Act that will require mandatory water use reporting. These new rules aim to improve water management and ensure sustainable use of resources. However, discussions are ongoing, and farmers still have an opportunity to shape how these requirements are applied.
In the coming months, consultations will take place to gather feedback from the agriculture sector. The Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) is actively involved in this process and is proposing an exemption for smaller water license holders.
The group believes that farms using limited amounts of water have minimal impact on overall water availability and should not face unnecessary reporting requirements.
To support this effort, a survey has been launched to collect data from producers, especially those in the livestock sector. The goal is to identify a practical water use threshold that reflects real on-farm conditions. This will help ensure that any reporting rules are fair and suited to different farm sizes and operations.
Livestock farms vary greatly in scale, water usage, and management practices. Because of this diversity, setting a clear and reasonable limit is important. Proper thresholds can ensure that reporting requirements are proportionate to actual risk and do not create extra administrative work for smaller producers.
Alberta Pork is encouraging swine farmers to participate in the survey and share their input. Their responses will help industry groups present strong recommendations during consultations. The aim is to reduce unnecessary paperwork while maintaining responsible water use practices.
By taking part in the survey, farmers can help shape policies that reflect real-world farming conditions. This ensures that new regulations are practical, balanced, and supportive of the agriculture sector while protecting water resources for the future.
Click on the link to take the survey.
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