Water for life: Alberta's strategy for sustainability.

Water for Life: Alberta Strategy for Sustainability is a strategic action plan set by the Alberta Government in 2003. The Strategy analyzes the population increase and economic growth that Alberta has seen over the past years, which has impacted Albertans’ changing water need and looks at strategizing effective ways to ensure water availability for future generations. The three main goals are: 1. Safe, secure drinking water; 2. Healthy aquatic ecosystems; and 3. Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. For each of these, the Strategy identifies short (2004/05 – 2006/07), medium (2007/08 – 2008/09) and long term (2010/11 – 2013/14) goals.
To fulfill the abovementioned goals, the Strategy sets three key directions or areas of focus: Knowledge and research, Partnership, and Water Conservation. The main elements of Knowledge and research are: scientific knowledge of Alberta’s water resources; an understanding of emerging water issues and opportunities; and ensuring all Albertans are aware of water issues and have the knowledge and tools necessary to make effective management decisions. Regarding Partnerships, while the Government of Alberta, led by Alberta Environment, will remain accountable and will continue to oversee water and watershed management activities in the province, Water for Life identifies three types of partnerships, different and complementary in their roles, that are integral to achieving stewardship of water resources: Provincial Water Advisory Council, Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils. Water conservation, under the Strategy, is a combination of both improving Albertans ability to capture and store water, as well as improving water use practices through significant conservation efforts.
Water use efficiency and productivity, hence making agriculture more efficient and sustainable is another key element of the Strategy and specific indicator to measure success.
Disasters Risk Reduction and Management, floods and droughts, is also another aspect that the Strategy addresses. A complete flood risk map and warning system is indeed one of the targets to achieve the long term goal of a reliable water supply for a sustainable economy.