Irrigation in Alberta Sample Clauses

Irrigation in Alberta. Irrigation in Alberta is essential for high agricultural production and crop diversity. The irrigation conveyance network supplies water to thousands of rural homes and more than 30 communities for household potable water, municipal pools, parks, and industrial use including food processing plants and factories. The conveyance network also supplies water for several other uses including livestock production, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping on irrigation reservoirs. Irrigation infrastructure in Alberta includes 13 irrigation districts, 57 reservoirs, about 8000 km of conveyance works, with a total value of about $3.6 billion. About 690,000 ha of land are irrigated in the province (Paterson Earth & Water Consulting 2015), and approximately 98% of Alberta’s irrigation occurs in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. In recent years, the irrigation industry has been concerned with the threat of the introduction of aquatic invasive mussels into Alberta. Invasive mussels are present throughout much of North America, with invasive mussels now as close as Manitoba and possibly in Montana. The introduction of invasive mussels to the irrigation infrastructure will likely compromise the function and conveyance capabilities of the irrigation network in the province. The Government of Alberta understands the value of the irrigation industry, and is working with the irrigation industry to ensure the long-term supply to water users, while maintaining the economic benefits provided to local communities.