Under the Water Act, landowners are NOT permitted to drain any wetland without first obtaining provincial authorization.

This spring, we have received complaints about landowners draining water from fields to adjacent land. This practice is becoming all too common.

Unauthorized drainage disrupts the natural water flow of an area, leading to flooding of roads and generally negatively affecting infrastructure – which Public Works crews have witnessed first-hand this spring.

If you are aware of any trenching on private land, you are urged to contact the Alberta Government’s 24-hour Environmental Hotline at 1-800-222-6514. If you wish, you may remain anonymous.

Click HERE for a pamphlet highlighting the essential points of the Water Act.

Click HERE for more information.