Looking Back on Water Societies in Southern Alberta

Orin R. Kenzie, Engineering Technologist, Alberta Agriculture, Lethbridge

During the 1980¹s the Alberta Government introduced a program to aid in the construction of water transmission lines, to ensure an adequate supply of water for farmers in the long term. Although the Alberta program has terminated, these systems continue to operate with favourable comments and PFRA has a continuing program. Typical of the many projects with the program, particularly in the water scarce areas of Southern Alberta is the Roselawn Water Development Society.

Out of a coffee table meeting, organized by spokesman Bruno Reimers, of Granum, Alberta came the idea of six farmers working together as a group to construct a water system. After numerous contacts, meetings, telephone calls, and applications with local, provincial and federal government departments, the farmers and contractors began construction of the project in March 1986. The project was completed in June 1986.

Prior to the pipeline, a well was drilled and pump tested extensively at 50 gpm. (Requirements for the society are approximately 30 gpm). Currently, water levels are monitored monthly, chemical water quality is analyzed yearly and bacterial quality is determined six times yearly.

A 3 HP submersible pump was installed at 110 feet, producing approximately 27-30 gpm at 90 psi. Production at the extreme end of the line is 18 gpm at 40 psi. The pump is controlled by a heavy duty pressure switch. A small pressure tank at the well is also used to lessen water hammer an line surge in the system.

From the well, a polyethylene plastic pipeline delivers water to six farmers over a distance of 4 1/2 miles. The pipeline begins as a 3-inch for the first 3/4 mile, 2-inch for the next 2 1/2 miles and the remaining 1 1/2 ³ pipe takes water to the extreme end of the line. Water is delivered to each yard ending at a curb stop. In this case all members chose to install a poured (5,000 gallon capacity) concrete cistern. The cistern level is controlled by high/low electrodes controlling a solenoid valve. Although adjustable, most farms are working on a 1500 gallon differential. Each member is metered.

Bruno Reimers at Roselawn Society Waterwell

For a total investment of approximately $5,000, each farmer has received a constant supply of good quality water for the past five years. And the system is still working relatively trouble free. The cost for water, paid by all members is .37 cents/1000 gallons. ³Keep it simple², recommends Reimers. Original design called for more electrical controls and timers. After replacing a number of timers, controls were simplified.

Reimers supplied water to a 500 head feedlot, house, garden and yard with no problems. Also, it is nice to know a reserve of 3500 gallons of water is always on the farm. It also increases his ability for protection against a farm fire. Interestingly, Reimers also notes his cattle drank more and performed better on water from the new system than they did on the old dugout system. Five years later, and looking back on the start up, installation and operation of the system - would he do it again? ³Absolutely², comments Reimers. While trying to turn a profit at farming today is one of his current prioritities, he also states that you cannot farm without water. He recommends that producers experiencing water shortages look into the possibility of forming a co-op or society, with a view of reducing the costs of sourcing and distributing water. Reimers also concludes that if your provincial or federal government has cost sharing and technical assistance for such a project, take advantage of them. It has been good for the Roselawn Water Development Society.

Planning and designing an irrigation project takes time and effort. Be prepared to spend roughly a year obtaining permits, licenses and constructing the proposed project. PFRA and provincial departments of agriculture can provide assistance in the planning and design of irrigation projects and should be contacted early in the process. In Saskatchewan, assistance can be obtained from SaskWater.