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Environmental groups say Alberta may allow fresh water sales to highest bidder

Environmental groups say Alberta is considering whether to allow some of its dwindling fresh water supply to be sold to the highest bidder.

EDMONTON — Environmental groups say Alberta is considering whether to allow some of its dwindling fresh water supply to be sold to the highest bidder.

The groups, including the Sierra Club of Canada, say the province should instead be promoting more conservation and ensuring that decisions about water are based on long-term public interests.

Alberta Environment released three reports this week from government-commissioned water advisory groups.

One report says Alberta should allow corporations and individuals with water licences to sell part of their water allocations to other users.

Conservationists says licence holders should have to return any surplus water back to the government.

Alberta Environment says it is looking for feedback on the reports as it prepares to overhaul its water policy, but there’s no word on whether there will be public hearings.