St. Mary River Irrigation District

St. Mary River Irrigation District We are dedicated to supporting communities, environment and agriculture in Southern Alberta

With water being a limited, variable renewable resource in Southern Alberta, the emphasis of the St. Mary River Irrigation District is on the wise management and conservation of water resources while sound environmental practices are supported. The District's ongoing efforts are towards more efficient methods of conveyance, storage and application of water to meet the ever growing demand for agric

ultural, domestic, commercial and recreational use to ensure the continued benefit for generations to come.

08/27/2026

Phase 1 of the Chin Expansion will replace the existing irrigation outlet at the west dam and raising the dam to accommodate the future water level raise upon completion of both Phases 1 and 2 of the expansion project, marking a milestone in the investment into long-term safety, reliability and capacity of one of the District’s most important water storage assets.

It has been a long time coming! Today we celebrated breaking ground on Phase 1 of the Chin West Dam Rehabilitation Proje...
08/27/2026

It has been a long time coming! Today we celebrated breaking ground on Phase 1 of the Chin West Dam Rehabilitation Project.

Chin Reservoir is the largest District-owned reservoir in the St. Mary Project the Chin Expansion project is one of the most significant infrastructure projects the District has undertaken in decades.

By upgrading the West Dam and replacing the aging irrigation outlet, we are strengthening the safety, reliability and performance of a critical part of our water delivery system.

This is also the first step toward the larger Chin Reservoir Expansion. Phase 2 will build on the work we are beginning today. Once the required regulatory approvals are in place, Phase 2 of the expansion will take place, relocating the East Dam approximately 10 kilometres east and raising the reservoir water level by 2.6 metres adding approximately 103,500 acre-feet of storage.
Projects of this scale are only possible through strong partnerships.

The SMRID is grateful to the YourAlberta (Government of Alberta) for its support through the AIM Program, to the Raymond Irrigation District for its contribution and partnership, to the Infrastructure Bank, our engineering and project management partners at MPE a division of Englobe and to our construction partners at at Greenfield Construction Ltd. for helping bring this project forward.

An incredible milestone, indeed!

The St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) is advancing irrigation expansion goals and is releasing 1,500 irrigation...
08/12/2026

The St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) is advancing irrigation expansion goals and is releasing 1,500 irrigation acres for the 2027 irrigation season.

These 1,500 additional irrigation acres are supported thanks to water savings achieved by converting canals to pipelines through SMRID’s participation in the Alberta Irrigation Modernization (AIM) program. Investments in infrastructure modernization completed since 2020 have already resulted in an additional 25,000 ac-ft of water savings annually.

Water transported through open canals is more susceptible to seepage, contamination and evaporation.

💧Significant investments in canal-to-pipeline rehabilitation projects continue to create water savings and efficiencies in the SMRID, allowing the District to irrigate more acres using less water

Calling all Students: Your future is worth watering!We are currently accepting applications for the Peter Langemann, Kei...
08/12/2026

Calling all Students: Your future is worth watering!

We are currently accepting applications for the Peter Langemann, Keith Francis & Jonnie P***l Memorial Scholarships.

15 scholarships × $2,000 each are available to eligible applicants to help support your education and your future.

📅 Application deadline: August 31, 2026

Visit: https://smrid.com/scholarships/ for full eligibility criteria and to apply online.

Ever wonder why Irrigation Districts measure water in acre-feet? It's the amount of water needed to cover one acre of ...
08/10/2026

Ever wonder why Irrigation Districts measure water in acre-feet? It's the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land one foot deep; It's how irrigation water is measured and managed.

Compared to litres or gallons, acre-feet is a simple measurement that helps irrigation districts track, store, and deliver water efficiently throughout the season.

08/06/2026

Every drop has a story. Follow SMRID's water as it begins high in the Rocky Mountains, travels through rivers, reservoirs, canals, and pipelines, and finally reaches the fields that help feed our communities.

It's a remarkable journey powered by engineering, water management, and more than a century of irrigation expertise. Watch how mountain snow becomes the lifeblood of southern Alberta.

08/04/2026

The International St. Mary and Milk Rivers Study Board is inviting the public to comment on its final draft report during a 30-day public comment period, running from July 30 through Monday, August 31, 2026.

The Study Board is seeking public input on the final draft report https://ijc.org/sites/default/files/SMMR_Final_Draft_Report_07302026.pdf and its recommendations for improving access to and use of apportioned waters in the St. Mary and Milk River basins, which are linked by the St. Mary Canal.

A public meeting will be held on August 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MDT – Excite Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta (101 Exhibition Wy S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4R3).

Public meetings will also be held at the following locations:

August 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. MDT – Best Western Plus Havre Inn & Suites, Havre, Montana (1425 2nd St NW, Havre, MT 59501)

August 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. MDT – Milk River Civic Centre, Milk River, Alberta (321 3 Ave NE, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0)

More Information:

In 2021, the Governments of Canada and the United States supported IJC’s decision to launch a study to examine options to improve access to these shared waters which could include administrative and structural changes to how these waters are apportioned.

The study is focusing on water measurement data and the calculations used to determine how much water each country receives and further explore potential solutions to improve water conveyance within the basin. As the basins face new challenges since the IJC Order was issued over 100 years ago.

The Study Board is scheduled to conclude its work in fall 2026, when it submits its final report and recommendations to the International Joint Commission.

08/04/2026

HIRING - Seasonal General Maintenance Worker:
1 Position Available – Bow Island Shop

SMRID requires a skilled general maintenance worker with 10+ years of experience. Visit https://smrid.com/careers/

Long weekend incoming!
07/30/2026

Long weekend incoming!

This just in: Allocation raised to 17 inches, effective Immediately. Read the full Water Storage Update for July here:
07/30/2026

This just in: Allocation raised to 17 inches, effective Immediately.

Read the full Water Storage Update for July here:

Address

525-40th Street South
Lethbridge, AB

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14033284401

Website

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