Investigating water storage in southern Alberta

Alberta’s government has hired WSP Canada to study whether to build a dam and reservoir on the Belly River and make possible improvements to the Waterton and St. Mary Headworks System.

The government’s water management infrastructure provides a reliable water supply for irrigation, municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational use. It supports fish and wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and erosion protection. To ensure Alberta’s growing communities are protected and have the water supply they need, the provincial government is continuing to invest in strong water management infrastructure.

“We are looking for ways to improve water security to guard against drought and flood and help our farmers and ranchers feed the world. We are taking a whole-government approach to managing and maintaining provincial water infrastructure systems to make sure Albertans continue to have a safe, reliable water supply.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

 “It’s a privilege to be entrusted with leading the Belly River Reservoir Feasibility and Waterton-St. Mary Headworks System Optimization Study – an initiative that plays a vital role in strengthening water resilience across southern Alberta. We’re proud to contribute to Alberta’s long-term prosperity through meaningful, impactful solutions.”

Rehan Wasti, vice-president, energy, resources and industry, WSP Canada
A proposed reservoir on the Belly River
The proposed reservoir on the Belly River, about five kilometres northwest of Mountain View in Cardston County, could improve water security, provide drought and flood resiliency, and support the aquatic ecosystem.