2026 Water Start Up
May 8, 2026
May 9, 2026
All LNID systems are operational and ready for water delivery.
May 8, 2026
All systems are operational, with the exception of the Lateral K8 Pipeline which is being commissioned by LNID team members.
May 7, 2026
All LNID systems are ready for water delivery, with the exception of the Lateral K6 and K8 pipelines, which continue to be prepared by LNID team members.
May 6, 2026
The Lateral A20 Pipeline is operational and ready for water deliveries. LNID crews continue to prepare the remaining pipelines for water delivery. Check the map for any updates on system water readiness.
May 5, 2026
LNID crews continue working to fill the remaining pipelines.
May 4, 2026
Most pipelines are ready for water orders.
LNID crews are working to finish filling the remaining pipelines and complete repairs on the Lateral A20 Pipeline. Continue to check the map for the most recent updates on water delivery readiness.
May 1, 2026
More LNID pipelines are ready for water orders. Check the map to see if your location is available. Commissioning the new Lateral A20 pipeline has found some issues to repair. Repairs are expected to be completed by Tuesday, May 5, at which time priming will begin again.
April 30, 2026
Flushing and priming of LNID systems continue. Limited systems, as found on the water delivery readiness map, are ready for water orders.
April 29, 2026
Flushing of the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and the Monarch Main Canal to Park Lake continues.
LNID crews continue to flush and prime pipeline systems throughout the District. The target goal is to be ready for water delivery in most systems by Friday, May 1. As of today, no systems are ready for water delivery.
April 28, 2026
Flushing of the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal has resumed following successful replacement of the failed valve at the Willow Creek flume. LNID would like to thank Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation for their quick response and swift resolution.
LNID crews have begun flushing and priming pipeline systems in the District.
Water is not yet available for delivery from any systems at this time.
April 24, 2026
The Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal is being temporarily shut down due to a failed valve at the Willow Creek flume. The canal will be shut down by Saturday afternoon. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is expected to have the replacement valve installed by Tuesday, April 28th and the priming of the canals and pipelines will begin again. It is important to replace this valve now to avoid a complete failure later in the season. This affects all deliveries on the LHC Main Canal and the Monarch Main Canal as well as all lateral pipelines. Flushing of the canals continues out of Keho Lake.
April 23, 2026
No new update as flushing of the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and the Keho Main Canal continues.
April 22, 2026
Flushing of the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and the Keho Main Canal continues.
April 21, 2026
Flushing of the the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and the Keho Main Canal has begun.
WATER START UP ‘WEEK’: APRIL 21 – MAY 1
The Board recently reviewed planning and procedures for water startup, developing a formal policy to ensure fairness, efficiency, and accountability.
The startup ‘week’ is defined as the target 10-day period from the introduction of water from headworks sources to normal irrigation operations. For 2026:
- April 21: Water will be introduced to the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal and flushing of Keho Main Canal;
- April 21-May 1: systems will be flushed, filled, and primed in preparation for the irrigation season;
- April 24: Flushing of the Monarch Main Canal;
- May 1: target date for water to be available for irrigation to all water users, although some systems could be delayed.
Unauthorized taking of water will not be tolerated.
Daily updates on water order readiness by area during startup week will be provided on the website.
A full explanation of the water start up process and how it affects your first water of the irrigation season can be found here.