Alberta Ecotrust is helping Albertans to develop solutions to our acquatic challenges. Since 1992, Alberta Ecotrust has invested $1,250,000 in 163 projects that have helped to protect or conserve Alberta's water.Albertans have become increasingly concerned over the last 15 years about the availability and quality of our water. The dramatic influence of climate change and growing industrial, agricultural and residential demands could have serious consequences on the health and integrity of Alberta's rivers and lakes.

Alberta Ecotrust will favor projects that utilize a variety of strategies to mitigate negative impacts on water quality and quantity, ranging from local stream cleanups to watershed-related policy and planning. Projects and policy initiatives that address issues related to wetlands, riparian and in stream health, land use activities that impact surface and/or groundwater, health risks, urban runoff and conservation strategies are all areas requiring additional activity in Alberta.

Projects addressing the protection of water sources could include:

• Installation of a xeriscaped urban garden, which demonstrates the use of water-tolerant, native species in landscaping;

• A public education campaign urging people to change behaviors in their home to limit their use of water;Initiatives aimed at helping homeowners understand the stormwater system in their town or city and how their activities influence water quality;

• Aquatic ecosystem educational programs for youth whereby students conduct water quality testing and learn about their impact on the local system;

• A basin-wide initiative that engages multiple stakeholders in promoting best practices in watershed management.

Visit our project database to learn about current and past projects related to water conservation and protection.