The Present
The Western Irrigation District is managed by a five member board of directors who are elected for three year terms, and must operate under the rules and procedures of the Irrigation Districts Act. We are headquartered in Strathmore, Alberta, 40 kilometers east of Calgary.
Our district provides irrigation water to over 400 farms and 96,000 acres of land, and supplies municipal water to over 12,000 people in four different communities. Storm water drainage services are also provided for urban customers.
We are aggressively rehabilitating our water delivery system. Smaller canals are being replaced with PVC pipe to eliminate water loss from evaporation and seepage. Larger canals are cleaned and armored to reduce siltation and improve water quality. SCADA systems are being installed to automate control, provide real-time flow data and reduce return flows.
The environment and ecology are also very important to the Western Irrigation District. We enjoy a close relationship with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and provide water to many of their projects. Our association with the Partners in Habitat Development Program has resulted in excess canal areas being planted with shrubs, trees and grasses providing crucial wildlife cover.
Our reservoirs provide recreational opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing, and many other year-round activities.
