Alberta’s farmers and ranchers will benefit from changes to the province’s water rules set to take effect in 2026. One key change allows producers to store more water in on‑farm facilities such as dugouts.

Under the previous rules, dugouts had a strict storage limit before triggering a complex approval process. The new regulations raise that limit, allowing farmers and ranchers to expand their water storage up to three times the previous amount without needing a full licence. Dugouts can now hold up to 7,500 cubic metres of water, up from the former 2,500 cubic metres, as long as the water is used for agricultural purposes, the province announced on Jan. 20.

The change is a relief in regions where droughts and unpredictable seasonal flows make it challenging to manage crops and livestock. Producers say storing more water when it’s available helps maintain a steadier supply throughout the year and reduces pressure on wells and natural streams.

The update is part of a wider provincial effort to modernize water laws that had not seen major revisions in decades. It reflects the need to balance farmers’ water requirements with growing populations and the impacts of lower precipitation on watersheds serving both rural and urban communities.

At its core, the update recognizes that previous storage limits left some operations vulnerable during dry spells. Farmers see the change as a boost to the local agricultural economy, giving them the space to store water in ways that fit their production cycles.

Overall, the expanded storage rules give producers more control over a vital resource, helping them manage water more effectively and keep their operations running during dry periods.