AB-2025-03896 - Belly River Reservoir Feasibility and Waterton-St. Mary Headworks System Optimization Study

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is responsible for the “Belly River Dam Feasibility and Waterton-St. Mary Headworks System Optimization Study (2025)” comprised of two parts: 1. Assessing options for optimizing water storage and conveyance within the Waterton-St. Mary Headworks System (WSMHS); and 2. Evaluating the feasibility of constructing a dam and reservoir in the upstream reach of the Belly River. This study has been initiated based on a Government of Alberta (GoA) commitment for the modernization and optimization of existing irrigation infrastructure and exploring options for the expansion of water storage infrastructure and irrigation in the province. This study will examine the feasibility of a new dam and reservoir on the Belly River upstream of the United Irrigation District diversion and options for optimizing water storage and conveyance in the WSMHS, which may include a potential Belly River dam and reservoir. Both parts will consist of engineering feasibility analyses and investigations and will comply with current standards and regulatory frameworks.