Dear Irrigators,
Based on our current water supply and anticipated water usage, our Board has decided that the allocation will remain at 9-inches.
This allocation and current water supply will enable water shutoff for the 2024 irrigation season to take place on October 4, 2024.
This scheduled shutoff will allow SMRID to carry out necessary maintenance projects during the fall.
Looking forward, SMRID anticipates water start-up will take place in late April/early May, as weather permits.
Below is the most recent information regarding our water supply situation and storage as of August 29, 2024:
Although the combined storage for SMRID Reservoirs is below average for a non-drought year, conservation efforts in 2024 have resulted in higher storage levels than at the end of the 2023 irrigation season.
If you are interested in purchasing/selling water allocation from/to another irrigator, please contact the Lethbridge office at 403-328-4401 to add your name to our Marketplace https://smrid.com/__marketplace/.
Thank you for your continued efforts to irrigate responsibly. The reduced allocation this season will result in much-improved winter storage levels and optimism for a less stressful irrigation season in 2025. Despite our challenges this season, crops are looking great and we wish you a safe and successful harvest.
Sincerely,
George Lohues
Chairman
On behalf of the St. Mary River Irrigation District Board of Directors