St. Mary River Irrigation District ends 2026 water deliveries Oct. 8
The southern Alberta district is closing out its irrigation season this week and reminding producers of year-end deadlines.
Why it matters
The deadline affects how southern Alberta farmers manage water storage and irrigation payments heading into winter.
The St. Mary River Irrigation District will stop water deliveries for the 2026 season on Thursday, Oct. 8, marking the end of this year's irrigation program for agricultural producers it serves in southern Alberta.
The district is asking irrigators to make sure their dugouts are topped up before the end of the day Thursday, since no further water deliveries will be made once the season closes. Producers are also asked to check that their valves and works are shut off ahead of the 2027 water season.
Separately, the district has reminded irrigators that all irrigation rates for permanent acres and leases are due by Dec. 31, 2026.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.