2021 Irrigating Season Update
Dear SMRID Irrigators:
It’s been a hot summer to date. Southern Alberta has been experiencing extended periods of above-seasonal temperatures this summer.
The good news is St. Mary Project irrigation network, comprising our 12 reservoirs and the Main Canal conveyance channel, is performing as designed and performing well. There is still a good supply of water in the Alberta Environment & Parks Headworks reservoirs and we are confident we will be able to supply the 16-inch farm gate allocation set by the Board of Directors at the beginning of the Irrigation Season.
As the long-range forecast is not showing any significant rain events for the area, the Board has chosen to stay with a 16” allocation. We are starting to see water demand decrease in some areas as cereal crops are reaching maturation. This will allow us to refill the reservoirs that have been depleted due to high irrigation demand resulting from the sustained periods of higher temperatures. It is critical to have a good supply of winter-level storage in the reservoirs to allow us to begin irrigating next spring and try and meet next season’s irrigation demands. There is no guarantee of normal snowpack levels in the mountains each and every year.
If you require a transfer of water allocation between parcels, please contact our office and we can assist in completing a Water Allocation Transfer Form.
As demand for water has been high throughout the entire District, we know that water levels in some of our reservoirs have been lower than normal and that impacts the recreational use at the reservoirs. We thank you for your patience and understanding that our primary objective is to meet the irrigation demand of our water users. We have seen significant demand this season and have been able to meet this demand.
Regards,
David Westwood
General Manager
St. Mary River Irrigation District