Water User Update: August 2026

WATER ALLOCATION - 16" per irrigated acre

The Board reviewed water allocation at their August 19th meeting and will hold the 16" per irrigated acre water allocation established in April through to the end of the 2026 irrigation season.

With current forecasts predicting a 90% chance of a strong El Niño and likelihood of low snowpack through the winter, maintaining a high end-of-season level in the Oldman Reservoir is a priority for LNID and AGI’s Water Infrastructure Operations Branch, and will help mitigate risks for the next irrigation season. LNID encourages water users to continue with a water conservation mindset, using water orders for agronomic purposes such as completing growing crops, establishing fall/winter crops, weed management, or soil reclamation. Soil moisture recharge to meet crop needs is often best managed in Spring. LNID will continue to monitor weather forecasts and snowpack levels through the winter months.

NORTHBACK GRASSY MOUNTAIN PROJECT

LNID has been, and will continue to be, actively engaged and informed regarding coal mining projects in the Oldman Watershed. LNID is aligned with the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) and Alberta Irrigation Districts Association (AIDA) in maintaining a neutral opinion on projects. LNID supports consulting objective peer-reviewed research and expects the Government of Alberta to make every effort to protect our watershed and preserve the quality and reputation of the water we use to grow our food. For more information, please review the following blog posts by OWC: Coal Mining in the Oldman Watershed and Part 2: Navigating Our Future.

In staying engaged, the Board recently attended an informational tour, hosted by Northback, of the Grassy Mountain Coal Project site. The Board invites others to go see the site and bring your questions as these tours are open to the public through the Northback website.

DRIVING ON CANAL BANKS

LNID would like to remind water users that canal banks are LNID property and are integral pieces of infrastructure for District operations. Recent events along LNID canal banks have caused significant damage, preventing operations and maintenance staff from being able to use the driving banks to carry out their duties. LNID requires water users to refrain from driving on canal banks after rainfall, ensure proper cattle guards are erected when crossing, and only fill water tanks on the non-driving side of the canal.

For more information, please contact your Water Coordinator.

STRICTLY PROHIBITED: SWIMMING IN CANALS

Swimming in irrigation canals is strictly prohibited. There are significant safety risks to doing so, such as high current, dangerous undertows, slippery embankments, drop structures, weirs and hidden infrastructure. Do not swim in the irrigation canals and please report any sightings of others swimming in irrigation canals to the LNID.

STORM: WATER USER PORTAL

LNID is currently in the preliminary stages of implementing new software called STORM. STORM includes a water user portal that allows water users to view billing statements and bill payment status, as well as order water during the irrigation season. These functions will be piloted in 2027 with more details on the changes being released ahead of the program’s implementation.

WATER ORDERS

Reminder: a water order request with a minimum 24-hour advance notice is required for both turning water on and turning water off. LNID requests water orders for the next day be received the day before by 3:00PM.

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.