The Alberta government has identified, and is taking proactive steps to address, the looming threat of a severe drought this year. As negotiations unfold to secure water-sharing agreements, a cascade of legal and economic considerations emerges. In particular, the implications for various sectors, including agriculture and oil and gas, pose challenges and require well thought-out responses. In a recent letter, the Alberta government Government informed water licence holders that it will be bringing together major water licence holders to negotiate water sharing agreements.