Increased demand and use is affecting Alberta's water quality. As well, we are learning more and more about natural pathogens in surface water that are difficult to treat by municipal water treatment facilities. These pathogens have the potential to cause water-borne illnesses. Learn more about the Benefits of Clean Water and Guidelines for Water Quality.

Surface water quality varies naturally throughout Alberta, based on differences in local conditions such as climate and geology. Water quality is also affected by human activities.

There are three major factors that affect water quality, all of which are subject to human influence:

• Water quantity: The amount of water available affects its quality. The less water there is, the lower the capacity to dilute wastes. Climate change and increased consumptive demand are two issues that may affect water quantity.
• Point sources: These are "end-of-pipe" sources of contaminants (e.g. from industries, municipalities) known as effluents. Because these are easily identified, they are also fairly simple to monitor and regulate. Learn more about Storm Drains and What Producers Can do to Improve Water Quality.
• Non-point sources: These are sources of contaminants that cannot be easily traced (e.g. runoff from land adjacent to a stream). Non-point sources are of significant concern because they are extremely hard to monitor and regulate. Learn more about Water Quality Concerns Related to Agriculture.