The flow on the South Saskatchewan River isn't causing problems for Medicine Hat's water utility department. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Brian Konrad

Water level of South Saskatchewan River not enough for city water restrictions

Aug 17, 2023 | 12:50 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The City of Calgary started water restrictions earlier this week, in response to low flows on both the Elbow River and Bow River.

So far, the City of Medicine Hat is managing just fine with the level of the South Saskatchewan River.

The city is in regular communication with Alberta Environment about water levels in southern Alberta, but currently there aren’t any low flow advisories for the Oldman River or South Saskatchewan River.

Medicine Hat does have a water shortage management plan, which could be enacted if required.

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However Jamie Garland, interim director for Environmental Utility with the city, says that point has not yet arrived.

“I know we’ve had lower levels in the river, and we’ve never had restrictions,” explains Garland.

“The river level right now is fine” adds Garland with no concerns for pumps or distribution or anything like that.

Garland says the water level on the river was much lower that it is now in the summer of 2001.

Should the water management plan become necessary, it would be gradual, starting with voluntary measures such as reducing watering in city parks.

Garland thanks people for only using as much water as they need.