WATER START UP ‘WEEK’: APRIL 21 – MAY 1

The Board recently reviewed planning and procedures for water startup, developing a formal policy to ensure fairness, efficiency, and accountability.

The startup ‘week’ is defined as the target 10-day period from the introduction of water from headworks sources to normal irrigation operations. For 2026:

• April 21: Water will be introduced to the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and flushing of Keho Main Canal;
• April 21-May 1: systems will be flushed, filled, and primed in preparation for the irrigation season;
• April 24: Flushing of the Monarch Main Canal;
• May 1: target date for water to be available for irrigation to all water users, although some systems could be delayed.

Unauthorized taking of water will not be tolerated.

Daily updates on water order readiness by area during startup week will be provided on the website.

A full explanation of the water start up process and how it affects your first water of the irrigation season can be found here.

WATER ORDERS

A minimum 24-hour advance notice is required for both turning water on and turning water off. Water orders for the next day must be received the day before no later than 10:00AM.

Contact your Water Coordinator by text message, email, or phone call to place your water order with the following information:

• Your name;
• Legal Land Description;
• on/off date;
• Preferred method of return communication (text/email/phone).

Your Water Coordinator will respond confirming they have received your water order. Water orders are incomplete until confirmation is received.

Water Coordinator Divisions and contact information can be found here.

Notice of Weed Control Treatments

Broadleaf Weeds

The Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District will be controlling broadleaf weeds along its right-of-ways for the 2026 irrigation season. The chemicals used will be Oracle Dicamba, MCPA Amine 600, Navius Flex, and 2,4-D Amine 600. StartUp Herbicide will also be used for weed control on graveled driving banks and for reed canary grass control. This Spray program will be starting in April of 2026 and will continue to the end of the irrigation season.

Aquatic Weeds

Also included in this weed control program will be the treatments for aquatic weeds. To control these aquatic weeds, the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District may be treating the Canals noted below on the approximate dates shown during the 2026 irrigation season. The Canals will be treated with Magnicide H (Acrolein, Inhibited) to control the growth of aquatic weeds and algae.

Projected 2026 Aquatic Treatment Locations & Dates

Locations

Lateral 61C Canal: TP 8/9, RGE 22

Lateral 61E Canal: TP 10, RGE 22

Lateral 62G Canal: TP 11/12, RGE 21

Lateral K1 Canal: TP 11/12, RGE 19/20

Lateral 62K Canal: TP 11, RGE 19/20

Weeks Of

May 11, 18, 25

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

July 6, 13, 20, 27

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

September 7, 14, 21, 28

All sub laterals that take water from the above noted laterals may/will be affected by these treatments. Please read the supplied material if you have land by these treatments or receive water from these canals.

This weed control program is administered by licensed applicators under the approval from Alberta Environment & Protected Areas.

Division 1: Peter Bos

Division 2: Peter Vanden Dool

Division 3: Arnie Bergen-Henengouwen

Division 4: Calvin Konynenbelt, Board Chair

Division 5: Sonny Wierenga

LNID Board of Directors and Leadership Team have completed the 2026-2028 LNID Strategic Plan.

Vision

To be a leader in sustainable water management.

Mission

To serve our water users through responsible delivery of irrigation water.

Values

Our People: An informed and innovative board and leadership team supporting engaged staff in a healthy and safe work environment.

Our Pursuit of Excellence: Acting professionally with integrity in providing reliable service by qualified and competent staff.

Our Stewardship of Water: Responsible management of the available irrigation water supply conveyed efficiently through a reliable distribution network.

Our Financial Accountability: Efficient, accountable stewardship of financial resources to balance short and long-term needs.

Our Reputation & Relationships: Being a trusted and approachable organization that fosters productive relationships with our water users, partners, indigenous neighbours, and surrounding communities.

Our Place in the Watershed: Promoting environmental and economic sustainability of the land and water upon which our irrigation district lies.

A full copy of the Strategic Plan is available here.

Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation (AGI) provide LNID progress updates on the Lethbridge Northern Headworks (LNH) Canal Upgrades.

April 17, 2026:

Substantial completion, or in other words the ability to run water, was reached on April 9, 2026.

• 100% of existing armour has been salvaged;
• 100% completion of tile drain installation, liner installation, armour placement, and grading of armour;
• Buoys and site signage has been reinstalled.

Total completion target date by May 31, 2026.

March 16, 2026:

• 100% completion of tile drain installation;
• All existing gravel armour has been salvaged from the repair section;
• Continue hauling materials for liner bedding to site;
• Began placement of bedding, liner, and armour.

Milestone dates remain March 31, 2026 to complete all in-canal work (substantial completion) and May 31, 2026 for total completion of the project.

February 13, 2026:

• Installed coffer-dam to isolate section being repaired;
• Have begun removing old armour on repair section;
• Have begun hauling materials for liner bedding to site;
• Installing drains to allow upslope groundwater to bypass canal.

The goal is to have repair completed and canal functional by March 31, 2026. Subsequent site-cleanup completed by May 31, 2026.

December 17, 2025:

AGI advised LNID that they have awarded a contract to complete LNH canal liner repairs, a groundwater drain, and a turnout, all within the last 700m before the flume over the Oldman River. Work will start in January 2026, with more details to come.

WATER COORDINATOR DIVISIONS

The Water Coordinators, and their contact information, is as follows:

Macleod Keho: Patrick Pavka, 403-308-9026

Monarch: John Degenstein, 403-308-4453

Park Lake: Mike McCloud, 403-634-8449

Albion: Tyson Gates, 403-382-5845

Butte: Walter Engels, 403-382-5840

Turin: Aaron Keeling, 403-382-5851

For a map of the Water Divisions, please click here.

WATER ORDERS

A minimum 24-hour advance notice is required for both turning water on and turning water off. Water orders for the next day must be received the day before no later than 10:00AM.

Contact your Water Coordinator by text message, email, or phone call to place your water order with the following information:

• Your name;
• Legal Land Description;
• on/off date;
• Preferred method of return communication (text/email/phone).

Your Water Coordinator will respond confirming they have received your water order. Water orders are incomplete until confirmation is received.

The district administration would like to remind all residents and visitors that hunting of any kind is strictly prohibited on district land. This prohibition is in place to ensure the safety of all individuals on district land, as well as to protect the natural habitat and wildlife within the area.

The prohibition on hunting includes, but is not limited to, the use of firearms, bows and arrows, traps, and any other devices used to capture or kill animals. This prohibition applies to all individuals, regardless of whether they are residents of the district or not.

Any individuals found to be hunting on district land will be asked to leave the area immediately and may be subject to legal action. The district administration takes this matter very seriously and will take all necessary measures to enforce this prohibition.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all on district land. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the district administration. Thank you for your understanding and compliance.