What does the Water Act in Alberta primarily govern?

The Water Act in Alberta primarily governs the regulation of water usage and the issuance of licenses for water extraction. It is designed to manage and allocate the province's water resources in a way that supports both ecological needs and human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Under this act, individuals and organizations must obtain a license to divert or use water from Alberta's lakes, rivers, and aquifers.

This regulatory framework ensures that water resources are used sustainably, preventing over-extraction and protecting aquatic ecosystems. It also outlines the processes for water allocation, including how much water can be used and for what purposes, which is critical in a province where water resources may be limited.

In contrast, other areas mentioned in the options, such as soil use in agriculture, forest resources, and landowners' rights in housing developments, fall under different legislative acts and regulatory frameworks that are specific to those respective areas. These aspects are not the focus of the Water Act, which is solely concerned with managing water resources within the province.