Alberta calling for proposals to study feasibility of water reservoir near Ardley
The Government of Alberta is requesting proposals to assess the feasibility of building a potential new reservoir on the Red Deer River near Ardley in an effort to help fight future droughts and water shortages.
As central Alberta continues to grow, demand from communities and businesses for water is also increasing. Officials say expanding water storage capacity in the region could potentially help reduce the risk of future droughts or water shortages and support a strong economy for years to come.
“Central Alberta is a thriving region and we need to make sure that water is available to meet its growing needs. This feasibility study will help determine whether an Ardley reservoir can be built and operated for a cost that provides true value to Albertans, while keeping central Alberta communities and industries growing for years to come,” says Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz.
Reservoirs can play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection. Alberta’s government owns and operates several large reservoirs in the South Saskatchewan River Basin that try to ensure sufficient water supplies to meet demand from communities, irrigators and businesses, while also maintaining a healthy aquatic environment, officials say.