The Water Federation - AFRWC

10/08/2026

Mark Your Calendars: Water Federation AGM

Join us on April 7, 2027 for updates, discussion and direction‑setting for the year ahead.

Full details and registration coming soon.

10/06/2026

Safety is everyone's responsibility. The work at a rural water co-op can carry real risk. Chemical handling, confined spaces, electrical systems and repairs at remote sites all have the potential to hurt someone.

A few things worth repeating:
✅Stop and think before you start.
✅Know the hazards and write them down. I
✅Wear the PPE. All of it, every time.
✅Look out for yourself and the people working beside you.

Our Leadership Safety Workshop manual is available to members and is packed with practical information on working safely at your co-op: https://www.abwaterco-op.com/courses

10/01/2026

Treating raw water from rivers and lakes is a constant balancing act, especially with changing seasons and spring runoffs. The final video in our series looks at surface water systems, exploring the advanced filtration and treatment processes our co-ops use to turn open water sources into safe, clean tap water.

Watch episode 4 in our series to see the science behind the treatment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=argZryQ1c6s

09/28/2026

Underground work can change fast. Depth shifts, ground cover moves, and even routine probing or digging can hit a buried line. Alberta’s rural water co‑ops may face underground risks often, and the Water Federation’s latest story breaks down what you should watch for and the steps that help prevent incidents.

Read the full story here: https://www.abwaterco-op.com/preventing-underground-incidents

09/24/2026

Not all water co-ops have to treat raw water from scratch. Many purchase clean, pre-tested water directly from neighboring municipal systems. In these communities, the co-op's vital job is managing the local distribution network, making sure that safe, reliable water travels the final mile to your tap.

Watch episode 3 in our series to see how these distribution-focused co-ops operate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mexhRbm-Io

09/23/2026

Last week, the Water Federation met with Mark Fisher, President of the Canada Water Agency, Environment and Natural Resources in Canada, and Gemma Boag, Director General at the Canada Water Agency, to discuss how national water priorities connect to the realities facing Alberta’s rural water co‑ops.

Canada holds more inland waters than any country in the world, which makes the Agency’s role in coordinating federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous efforts essential. Strong alignment helps ensure co‑ops have the tools, clarity and support needed to deliver safe, reliable water.

We appreciated the opportunity to share on‑the‑ground challenges and reinforce why community‑owned systems must be part of national water conversations.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canada-water-agency.html

The Canada Water Agency works with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, scientists and others to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well-managed for future generations.

09/17/2026

Sometimes groundwater isn't as isolated from the surface as it seems. In Episode 2, we break down Groundwater Under Direct Influence (GWUDI), what happens when surface water interacts with underground aquifers, and the advanced treatment technology our co-ops use to keep it clean.

Watch the full video to see how we tackle this unique source-water challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNE6PUbSsLw

09/15/2026

Mark Your Calendars: Water Federation AGM

Join us on April 7, 2027 for updates, discussion and direction‑setting for the year ahead.

Full details and registration coming soon.

09/03/2026

Each water co-op faces its own unique set of challenges, starting right at the source. Ever wonder where your co-op's water actually comes from? Check out our quick video on high-quality groundwater to learn how we manage and protect this vital resource.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEn_srzrQdU

09/01/2026

Emergency Planning Does Not Wait for a Quiet Season

This summer brought heavy rain, flooding and severe storms across much of Alberta. Power failures, damaged infrastructure and water quality concerns can follow with little warning.

Every rural water co-op is responsible for its own emergency planning. Your plan should match your system, your area and the risks you face. It does not have to be complicated, it just has to be ready before you need it.

Review our Emergency Response Planning checklist to see if your co-op is ready: https://www.abwaterco-op.com/is-your-water-co-op-ready-for-an-emergency