Drought Support

Ensuring Water Security for Our Community

Water in our municipality is essential not only for residential use but also for agriculture, industry, and emergency response. These various needs require different levels of water quality and quantity and sometimes compete for the same water resources. With changing geographics and climate, water availability can shift from being plentiful to experiencing drought conditions rapidly.

 

Agricultural Water Needs

Agricultural producers rely heavily on water for raising livestock and crop production. Each of these requires specific water quality and quantity. Depending on the size and scale of the operation, there may be additional needs for accessing alternative water sources.

 

Government Assistance Programs

The Government of Alberta offers two key programs to assist agricultural producers in securing adequate water supplies:

The Provincial Water Pumping Program allows producers to rent pipe and pumping equipment to fill dugouts from nearby water sources. Equipment and pipe are delivered from dispatch locations across the province to the pumping site, with rental rates covering one day of setup, one day of pumping, and one day to dismantle the equipment. Available equipment includes PTO-driven pumps (6-inch) and trailers with up to 1 mile of 6-inch pipe. Additional pumps and trailers can be requested if needed.

Provincial Water Pumping Program

Note: A license or temporary diversion license is usually required to pump water from rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Equipment cannot be delivered until the appropriate license is obtained. Applicants can apply for a temporary diversion license through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

This program aids livestock or poultry producers who need an urgent alternative water supply for their animals. Producers should contact their local Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) District Office to work together on identifying and assessing alternative water sources and potential impacts on the aquatic environment and other water users.

Examples of alternative water sources include:

  • Stormwater ponds
  • Gravel pits
  • Stock water dams (greater than 2,500 cubic meters)
  • Beaver dams or ponds on non-fish-bearing watercourses
  • Larger rivers or wetlands (depending on fish-bearing status)
  • Municipal bulk watering stations
  • Last polishing cell from a municipal wastewater treatment lagoon

EPA will assist with the streamlined authorization process under the Water Act for temporary use of new water sources.

The local offices for the County are the Capital District and the Red Deer District, depending on what part of the County you require assistance in. Please refer to the program information to confirm, and request support.

Program Information

 

Additional Water Source: Town of Viking’s Seasonal Filtered Raw Water

Agricultural producers in within a 100 km radius of the Town of Viking are eligible to access the Town of Viking’s Seasonal Filtered Raw Water location. The pumping station, located adjacent to the Town Reservoir, supplies untreated (non-potable) water for agricultural use.

Note: The water is untreated and is provided on a 'use at your own risk' basis. An application is required to access the pumping station.

Town of Viking - Seasonal Filtered Raw Water