One of the concrete drop structures in the St. Mary Canal following its collapse in May 2020. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)

By David Opinko

Crews working to repair structural failures on St. Mary Canal

Jun 22, 2020 | 12:41 PM

MILK RIVER, AB – Residents of Milk River should expect low water levels this summer.

The Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure said crews are working to make repairs after a concrete drop structure failed on the St. Mary Canal on May 17.

It is located in northern Montana and owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

This canal diverts water from the St. Mary River to the community of Milk River.

“We recognize the severity of the situation and the importance of the Milk River basin to surrounding communities and the local economy,” says Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon. “Environment and Parks is supporting Alberta water users and working with our federal and U.S. counterparts to keep water users informed as work to repair the canal progresses.”

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Permanent repairs to the canal will begin immediately and should be completed by September.

With no canal being in place in the meantime, water license holders in Alberta should be prepared for only natural flows on the Milk River and should proactively explore options for water conservation.

“Recreational users will also be impacted. Without diverted water via the St. Mary Canal, Milk River water levels will likely be too low this summer for activities like canoeing or kayaking,” reads a media release from the provincial government.

Officials do not expect there to be any impacts on drinking water or household use.

Construction will be paid for by U.S. officials, while the Government of Alberta is providing funds to the Town of Milk River to increase water storage.

The current supply would support found four months of water use.