High River Water Supply by MPE Engineering (2023)
Willow Creek Regional Water Study by MPE Engineering (2020)
Town of High River Request for Decision to High River Council (2023)
A lack of long-term water security has been a challenge that has plagued the Town of Nanton for many years. This issue became even more evident in spring 2022, when water levels in the raw water storage reservoir were at extreme lows, only days away from the Town running out of water 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, along with the challenging water quality from Mosquito Creek, had led to operational challenges at the Nanton Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Additionally, moving to a regional treated source means that local water treatment can be reduced to secondary chlorination and a new WTP will not be required in the future (a new WTP is probably required in the next decade under the present system).
Funding was secured through the Alberta Community Partnership program to further evaluate the feasibility and complete preliminary engineering for a regional potable water connection from High River to Nanton. The intent was to more clearly define the project scope and costs, which would assist in exploring funding opportunities for the project.
In line with this, Council approved, on November 18, 2024, the hiring of Aplin Martin Consultants Ltd. as the project manager for the Nanton Regional Water Supply (Design Detail Phase). This decision marks a significant step forward in addressing the Town’s water security challenges and ensuring a sustainable solution.
There are a number of both 'on' and 'off' ramps for this initiative as information gathering and overall feasibility on particular aspects is analyzed in the design phase including: confirmed land requirements, High River water resources and estimated annual operational costs for Nanton at completion. The degree to which the Town can trace and reduce potable water loss in its distribution system is also a substantive factor in moving forward with major capital of any kind in our water utility, be that local or regional.
Next Steps:
- Continue intermunicipal discussions for the development of formal water-sharing agreements.
- Begin detailed land negotiations along the proposed route, including discussions with CP Rail and private landowners.
- Submit an application for the transfer of license allocation to the proposed wells.
- Obtain additional potable water license allocations as required.
