St. Mary River Irrigation District

06/05/2026

Based on current reservoir storage levels following the recent rainfall event from May 29-June 3, the Board of Directors has motioned to raise the water allocation to 15 inches at the farm gate for the 2026 irrigation season, effective immediately.

We will continue to review the water supply situation, keep you informed of future developments and provide timely monthly updates.

06/03/2026

The Horsefly Regional Emergency Spillway is more than an infrastructure project. It is a regional investment in resilience, safety, and the long-term future of southern Alberta communities.

During the heavy rainfall this past week, the spillway has already demonstrated its value by actively diverting floodwater, protecting communities, reducing risk for stakeholders and taxpayers, and helping prevent the costly human and economic impacts of uncontrolled flooding. It reminds us that regional collaboration works.

While Phase 2 of the project is still underway, the spillway’s first operational use marks an important milestone and offers a clear demonstration of how it will help safeguard southern Alberta communities during future high-water events.

About the SRSDC: Significant flooding from major rainfall and snowmelt events in the 2010s prompted various parties in southern Alberta to come together to find solutions to reduce the impact of flooding. A Regional Stormwater Management Plan was commissioned in 2014, resulting in the recommendation of seven flood mitigation projects in southern Alberta, including the Horsefly Regional Emergency Spillway.

Southern Regional Stormwater Drainage Committee (SRSDC) Partners: Municipal District of Taber Lethbridge County Town of Coaldale Town of Taber Town of Bow Island City of Medicine Hat The Village of Barnwell.

06/01/2026

Continued precipitation this week will potentially bring some localized flooding. Please follow the SMRID’s policy for handling any water that may accumulate on your crops. Please fill out the form for pumping from the SMRID website, linked here -->https://smrid.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/V2Template-Water-Pumping-Agreement-ID-7894202.pdf

Structures, gates and drains are SMRID property and unauthorized operation of SMRID-owned infrastructure is strictly prohibited.

The District will allow pumping when flows into canals and drainage channels have subsided. Please note that water testing is required on any lands where manure is spread on it, prior to permission being granted for pumping. The SMRID will continue utilizing measures to manage the ongoing precipitation as required.

Please also be reminded that canal banks are SMRID property. Unauthorized vehicles on canal banks hinder SMRID crews’ ability to take action to mitigate the impact of the rain event.

Drain inlets will be operated by staff only, as soon as conditions allow. Please do not attempt to operate drain inlets

Thank you for your cooperation.

SMRID Operations

05/29/2026

This just in ➡️ May Water Supply Update:

Please be advised: The Board is scheduled to meet on June 4 to discuss allocation. Should the Board decide to make any changes to the 2026 allocation, those changes will be communicated at the AGM on June 4 at the Taber Community Centre.

05/27/2026

Stay informed with SMRID's 2026 Headgate Newsletter - featuring important reminders, key dates, and seasonal information.

https://smrid.com/headgate-newsletter/

Keep water-wise and sign up for our Irrigator communications to never miss an update: https://smrid.com/email-sign-up/

Stay informed with SMRID’s 2026 Headgate Newsletter – featuring important reminders, key dates, and seasonal information.

05/26/2026

📣Upcoming:
SMRID's Annual General Meeting will be held on June 4, 2026 in Taber, Alberta at the Community Centre (4720 C 50 St, Taber, AB T1G 2B6) at 1:30 p.m.
While allocation was announced in April, the AGM remains an important opportunity to hear updates on upcoming projects and other district initiatives. We encourage irrigators to join us and stay informed on what is ahead for the SMRID.

We hope to see you there!

05/21/2026

🌱💧🌽A Blast From the Past:
Town signage (c. 1957), highlights the region's link to irrigation, a connection which is ingrained in the community to this day.
If anyone has come across this sign, remembers seeing it, has a photo of it, or knows where it may have ended up, please reach out to Jack Van Rijn - Mayor - Town of Coaldale or the folks over at Coaldale's Gem of the West Museum.

For this week’s , I wanted to revisit an interesting piece of Coaldale’s history, a 1957 road sign that highlighted the agricultural importance of our community.

The sign recognized Coaldale’s strong connection to irrigation, specialty crops, and livestock, all of which helped shape our town’s early identity and continue to play an important role in our region today.

We are still on the lookout for this sign and would love to know if it still exists. If anyone has come across it, remembers seeing it, has a photo of it, or knows where it may have ended up, please reach out. Pieces like this help tell the story of Coaldale’s agricultural roots and the people, industries, and ideas that helped build our community.

We have had some success in the past tracking down local historical items, including the original hand-pulled chemical cart that was later restored and is now part of Coaldale’s firefighting history. Hopefully, with some help from the community, this sign may be another piece of local history we can learn more about.

Credit:
Economy Photos / Isaac Family
Coaldale Historical Society
Coaldale Gem of the West History Book
Gem of the West Museum
Coaldale Heritage Walk
A Story of Early Coaldale, The Gem of the West by Carmen Vermeulen

05/14/2026

Did you Know? One female mussel can produce up to one million eggs a year? That kind of reproductive efficiency means things can get out of hand, fast.

Invasive mussels clog water and irrigation infrastructure that is the backbone of Southern Alberta’s thriving agriculture sector, negatively impact water quality, promote harmful algal blooms, and harm local aquatic ecosystems. The introduction of either zebra or quagga mussels in Alberta would cost over $75 million annually to manage and, if introduced, are nearly impossible to eradicate. With over $2 billion in irrigation infrastructure in just the SMRID alone, the fouling of these works would have profound impacts on Alberta’s economy, environment, and water-based recreation.

• Starting in 2026 and every year after, inspections will be mandatory from May 1 to Sept. 30 for anyone entering Alberta with watercraft through the eastern and southern borders.
• It also remains mandatory for anyone travelling with a watercraft to stop when passing an open station.

Protect Alberta from Aquatic Invasive Species – Sign the Watercraft Commitment Form today!https://smrid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watercraft-Commitment-Form-Revised-2023.pdf

Learn more about the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol: https://alberta.ca/cleandraindry

05/14/2026

Office closure - Victoria Day:
Please be advised SMRID offices will be closed on Monday May 18, for the Stat holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday May 19.

05/07/2026

It's beginning to feel like summer! Check out information on Park and Boat Launch Operations on SMRID Reservoirs in 2026 below:
https://smrid.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-PARK-OPENING-AIS.pdf