Helgason Community Dam

In 2022, the Water Security Agency (WSA) undertook a study to assess irrigation potential within the Quill Lakes Basin. This assessment identified several potential storage options and suitable lands for irrigation that would not only support local farmers but also reduce the amount of water flowing to the Quill Lakes, a water body that has frequently caused flooding in the surrounding area. The study identified Helgason Community Dam as an opportunity for storage that could capture quality surface water from the Milligan Creek Watershed for irrigation before it reaches the saline Quill Lakes.

To address the concerns associated with the high-water levels in the Quill Lakes Basin, WSA commissioned an engineering firm to assess the region’s irrigation potential. The Quill Lakes, comprising of Big Quill Lake, Mud Lake, and Little Quill Lake, have high salinity levels unsuitable for irrigation, as their use could harm crops and soil quality.

The study focused on identifying and evaluating water sources feeding into the Quill Lakes with suitable water quality for irrigation. It explored in-stream, off-stream, and wetland storage options, assessed water quality of contributing streams, and identified suitable lands for irrigation. This comprehensive study also outlined projects that could benefit local landowners and mitigate the high-water levels of the Quill Lakes. Utilization of this water for irrigation could also lead to drainage opportunities that are not currently available in this basin.

One key project asset is the Helgason Community Dam. Originally used for municipal water supply, this dam is no longer in active use since the town transitioned to groundwater. The assessment confirmed that water from Helgason Dam could support irrigation with approximately 530 acre-feet of water available from the existing reservoir and an additional 320 acre-feet possible with the construction of a secondary storage reservoir. This finding prompted the WSA to conduct further studies on utilizing this water source for irrigation development.

In early 2024, WSA organized a stakeholder engagement meeting in Foam Lake to assess local interest in this opportunity. Local producers expressed enthusiasm about the potential for irrigation and provided input on the lands they would like to irrigate. Given this interest and the potential benefits of reducing water levels in the Quill Lakes, WSA is moving forward with a study to develop a conceptual irrigation project, including cost analysis and dam safety inspections. The local Rural Municipality has also expressed its support, and WSA will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders as the project progresses.

For more detailed information, access the full report on the Assessment of Irrigation Potential in the Quill Lakes Basin here.