CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

City refilling boating lake at Echo Dale

Jul 6, 2022 | 3:06 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The city says they are aware of the low water level at the boating lake in Echo Dale Regional Park and staff are working to refill the lake.

A pump to add water from the South Saskatchewan River has been installed near the park’s boat launch. The pump is not expected to interfere with the launch. Signs are in place alerting anyone entering the river, as well as pets, to exercise extra caution in this area.

A large hose runs from the river into the lake, crossing several trails and the main park road. Motorists and trail users are asked to use extra caution in these areas.

Park visitors should see the water level increase this week.

“The water may appear cloudy throughout the season, due to the turbidity and lack of filtration from the river,” says James Will, director of the City of Medicine Hat’s parks & recreation department. “This is a temporary solution. We will continue to monitor the water level throughout the summer and investigate the cause in the fall.”

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The city currently doesn’t know why the water level is low.

“We began filling the boating lake in May and noticed the water level dropped once the swim lake was filled,” Will explains. “We’re working closely with other city departments, as well as the Alberta Conservation Association, to ensure the protection of the trout in the lake and the Government of Alberta to be able to add additional water from the South Saskatchewan River.”

The boating lake remains open for fishing and other recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.