Alberta oil sands water guide

Surface-water monitoring in the oil sands region

Canada and Alberta jointly monitor water quality and quantity in the oil sands region.

Surface waterMonitoring

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Lydia M. Carstairs

System role

Monitoring includes rivers and streams influenced by natural conditions and industrial development.

How it is managed

Water-quality and flow information supports cumulative-effects assessment.

Environmental context

Indigenous participation and knowledge are part of the Oil Sands Monitoring Program.

What to keep in mind

Monitoring can identify impacts and trends; it does not make those impacts disappear.

High-level industrial education only. Water-treatment chemistry, tailings facilities, steam systems and environmental controls are regulated site-specific systems; this site does not provide operating recipes, setpoints or procedures.