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Land Use Planning Topics: Water for Life

Land Use Planning Topics

Water for Life

References that have links are freely available on the internet.

How we use water is fundamental to all life. How successfully we conserve it, maintain its quality, and recognize and preserve the habitats that depend on it cannot be treated as isolated elements. We cannot do one and not others. The complex and interrelated nature of managing water is at the core of the Water for Life strategy.

We must work together to find the solutions, create the policies, and foster the changes in attitudes and methods that will continue to support wise use and management of water in Alberta.

Alberta Environment (2003). Water for life: Alberta's strategy for sustainability. Government of Alberta

Water for Life is the Government of Alberta’s strategy for water. Introduced in 2003, it is one of the most comprehensive in North America. The strategy affects both water quality and quantity issues, as well as environmental concerns. It recognizes that the management and use of water involves not only economic and environmental aspects, but social ones as well. For example, the availability of safe, secure drinking water supplies is a part of the quality of life for Albertans.

Alberta Environment (2005). Enabling partnerships: A framework in support of water for life-Alberta’s strategy for sustainability. Government of Alberta

A framework supporting Water for Life that describes how landowners, communities, organizations, industry, and governments can get involved in timely and effective actions for the sustainable management of Alberta’s watersheds.

Alberta Environment (2008). Water for life: A renewal. Government of Alberta

In this renewed strategy, the Government of Alberta not only continues to build on the good work already undertaken, but also reaffirms its commitment to the Water for Life approach for the wise management of Alberta’s water quantity and quality for the benefit of Albertans now and in the future

Alberta Environment (2009). Water for life: Action plan. Government of Alberta

Water for Life goals and key directions will be achieved through the Water for Life action plan, which is designed to ensure achievable and timely outcomes that reflect growing pressures on our province’s water supplies. Water is an essential resource that must be protected to ensure future growth and prosperity in Alberta.

Alberta Environment (2011). Water for life: Progress report - December 1, 2008-March 31, 2011. Government of Alberta