Lack of irrigation water creates downstream effects

For the past two years, there have been issues with the delivery of water early in the growing season across the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID).

In 2022, there were different reasons for the inability to access water early on, but this year, water challenges were linked to breakages and leaks in the canals.

As of May 23, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has increased the flow from 10 cms to 20 cms. According to a release from the LNID, as a result of the increased flow, water distribution for irrigation in the district will be restricted; with each landowner being permitted to irrigate one inch on no more than 50 per cent of the landowner’s irrigation acres at the same time.

There’s plenty of frustrations as a lack of water creates challenges for both growers and livestock producers in the area, with severe consequences.

In a conversation recorded on May 17, RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney caught up with Leighton Kolk, one of the land owners in the Picture Butte, Alta. area, to discuss some of the frustrations from his perspective.

Check out the full conversation with Haney and Kolk, below:

Related:

Alberta irrigation district faces lack of water, again

“Without water, we wouldn’t be here:” Alberta irrigation district raises concerns over blocked access to water

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