Water Co-ops in Alberta: Working Together for Better Water
What is a Co-op?
A co-op is a business owned and run by its members. Members use the co-op's services and make decisions together. Co-ops don't try to make profits for outside owners. Instead, they meet the needs of their members.
Water Co-ops in Alberta
A water co-op is a group of rural neighbors who build and run their own water system together. Instead of waiting for a company or town to bring water to them, they do it themselves.
Water co-ops in Alberta:
- Range from 6 connections to over 1,200 homes.
- Get water from wells, rivers or nearby towns.
- Are owned by members and don't aim to make a profit.
At least 153 water co-ops operate in Alberta. They serve between 30,000 and 40,000 people through about 9,200 water connections.
The Water Federation started in 1994 in Southern Alberta. Farmers, ranchers and rural residents joined together to create water systems for their homes and livestock.
How Co-ops Work
Co-ops follow seven basic principles. The co-op principles are guidelines by which co-ops put their values into practice. More details on co-op principles and what makes a co-op can be found on the International Cooperative Alliance website.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-ops are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Co-ops are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-ops, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-ops at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-ops. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-op. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-op; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-ops are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, and Information
Co-ops provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-ops. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
Cooperation among Co-ops
Co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for Community
Co-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Why Create a Water Co-op?
- Local control - The people making decisions are the same people using the water.
- Lower costs - Members share the costs of building and maintaining the system.
- Safe water - Co-ops follow provincial rules and meet safety standards.
- Better deals - The Water Federation helps co-ops buy insurance and equipment together at lower prices.
- You have a say - Each member gets one vote.
- You're an owner - You own part of the system, not just a customer.
Working Together
Water co-ops prove that communities can create safe, reliable and affordable water systems when they work together.
Learn More
To learn more about co-ops in Canada, visit the Government of Canada website.