Town of Nanton Regional Water Study; High River Water Supply by MPE Engineering
Town of High River Request for Decision to High River Council
A lack of long-term water security is a major challenge that has plagued the Town of Nanton for many years. This challenge has been highlighted through recent study and was even more evident in spring 2022 when water levels in the raw water storage reservoir were at extreme lows, mere days away from the Town running out completely.
The Willow Creek Region Shared Water Distribution Study (MPE, 2020) recommended that a regional potable water supply be obtained from the Town of High River or additional raw water storage be constructed to maximize diversion from Mosquito Creek during appropriate times of the year. The regional potable water supply option was identified as the most prudent as the reliability and timing of flow as well as challenging water quality from Mosquito Creek has led to operational challenges at the Nanton WTP.
Funding was obtained through the Alberta Community Partnership program to further evaluate the feasibility and complete preliminary engineering of a regional potable water connection from High River to Nanton. The intent was to more clearly identify the project scope and costs to assist in exploring funding availability for this project
Next Steps:
- Continue intermunicipal discussion for development of formal water sharing agreements.
- Begin detailed land negotiations along the proposed route including with CP rail and private landowners.
- Submit application for transfer of license allocation to the proposed wells, and
- Obtain additional potable water license allocation as required.
