The oil sands of Northern Alberta contain extensive reservoirs of bitumen. This resource is very important for enhancement of domestic and international energy supplies as well for positive impacts to Canada’s economy. However, development of the oil sands is very controversial because of many issues, both social and environmental. In order to operate the oil sands industry in Northern Alberta must comply with government regulatory standards which are in place to address environmental impacts and public concern. Nevertheless, the pace of development and stringency of regulations may not be sufficient to consider long term and cumulative impacts to both available water quantity and quality. Technologies such as centrifuges, coagulants, in situ combustion, and steam/solvent in situ recovery, are in development which will reduce quantity of water use and impacts to water quality from oil sands development. It is the role and responsibility of government to ensure regulations are in place which allow this resource to be developed in a manner which ensures long term sustainability.