The Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird Sanctuary Stakeholders Group continues to advocate for better research and public transparency concerning the Duncairn Dam Irrigation Project. As they continue to do so, they wish to share their own findings with the public and hope that more people join them in their efforts.
To properly understand the threat of increased irrigation, the Stakeholders Group co-chair, Dwight Lemon, provided a deep dive into the history of the Dam, its current usage, and current and potential threats.
Background
In 2023, the Water Security Agency conducted a water availability study of the Duncairn Reservoir, and later that year sent an email to the communities around the lake detailing their intention to announce they had found additional water available for irrigation. This sparked a lot of community concern which, in turn, led to the creation of the Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird Sanctuary Stakeholders Group.
This group got right to work consulting with experts and educating the public about the proposed expansion of irrigation and how it would affect conservation at Reid Lake. They have been extremely active on many fronts, from social media to local radio stations as well as giving presentations, initiating a letter writing campaign, calling on the government for further studies, and calling on the government to monitor the already existing irrigation.
This group has raised considerable awareness in the City of Swift Current, within the southwest, and beyond, of the many concerns associated with the expansion of irrigation – from the fishery and migratory birds, to the potential issues for the City of Swift Current’s drinking water, along with broader concerns related to water conservation across the province.
The Duncairn Reservoir Stakeholders Group has received the United Nations Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development Award, as well as the Nature Saskatchewan 2024 Conservation Award for their efforts in starting the conversation with the goal to save the environment at Reid Lake for future generations.
History
The Duncairn Dam was built in 1942 by the PFRA, and formed a reservoir known as Reid Lake. Its purpose was to provide water storage and flood control in the Swift Current Creek. Development for the large irrigation projects at Rush Lake, Herbert, and Waldeck occurred during the 1950s, whereas development of the smaller, individual irrigation projects occurred in the 1970s.
Lemon explained, “Many people believe that the Dam was constructed for the sole purpose of irrigation. However, the Duncairn Reservoir is already irrigating up to 18,000 acre feet. So it is doing its job.”
Public Impact
The Association says they are not against increasing the irrigation outright. Rather, they wish for concrete proof that existing allocations are being used up, and that the flow meters are being used, monitored, and enforced properly.
“The Water Security Agency has been cited by the Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan for deficiencies in monitoring and enforcing water use by irrigators,” said Lemon. “So we don’t trust that things are being handled properly. We want assurance that our water supply is being used sustainably, and will continue to be there for future generations.”
He continued, “The current provincial government wanted to add 8,000 additional acre-feet of irrigation each year, while the Water Security Agency proposed an additional 4,000 acre-feet. They stated that allocation will be issued at 6 inches/acre, deviating from the standard 12 inches/acre duty. This adjustment provides irrigators the opportunity to spread allocation acres a maximum of 8,000 acres for development.”
What this means in simpler terms, Lemon explained, is that this proposed irrigation plan would use nearly as much water as the entire City of Swift Current, with 4,000 acre feet being equal to approximately 1.3 billion gallons. “These levels threaten the quantity and quality of water for us all,” he said.
The Stakeholders Group publicly refutes the Water Security Agency’s claim that a removal of 4,000 acre feet from the reservoir would lead to a one foot drop from the top, which represents a 13% change from full capacity.
“In reality,” Lemon said, “According to the Water Security Agency’s own fishery study, the additional irrigation would cause the Conservation Drawdown Limit to be reached one out of every two years, which is a drop of 62% of the reservoir’s capacity and could result in winterkill of the fish.”
Lemon explained further risks, including increased water-treatment costs, blue-green algae blooms as a result of phosphorus washing into the lake, and an increase in toxins along the creek bank leaving the water unsuitable for livestock consumption. “These risks would also increase significantly should the city fall into a drought,” he said.
“We’re simply asking the Water Security Agency to fulfill their obligation to balance the needs for all users - municipal, recreational, ecological, agricultural and industrial, as well as downstream users,” he said.
Environmental Impacts
The Duncairn Reservoir Property Owners are fighting to preserve the environment at Reid Lake from the harmful effects of irrigation expansion.
Lemon explained, “In 1948, this lake was designated as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary by the Federal Government. This lake provides an important habitat for a variety of species, including several species at risk such as Barn Swallows, Common Nighthawks, Western Grebes, and Northern Leopard Frogs. It is also an important breeding, feeding, and resting area for a variety of birds including mallards, geese, and tundra swans. The Duncairn Reservoir also has a reputation for being one of the best waters in Saskatchewan for perch population as well as walleye and northern pike.”
For Lemon and everyone involved in these efforts, the protection of these habitats is essential to the well-being of the species that call these lakes home – including the people. “Across the world, we’ve seen over and over what happens when habitats like this suffer. The protection of these places is far more important than any potential economic gain.”
Agricultural Impact
Lemon stated, “The Duncairn Reservoir is already providing irrigation. It is highly unlikely that the high-value crops mentioned by the Water Security Agency will even be grown as a result of this expanded irrigation.”
He explained further that, currently, just over 4% of irrigated acres from the Lake Diefenbaker project are used for high-value crops.
Additionally, the Water Security Agency requires irrigators to shut down once the lake levels reach the irrigation cut-off level. “This means that three out of ten years, downstream users will receive less than their full allotment,” he said.
He continued, “The Water Security Agency now states that this development will be comprised of private irrigation projects. Will this be a way to circumvent the environmental impact studies and fishery impact studies required by Oceans and Fisheries Canada?”
Duncairn Property Owners' Concern
“Little consideration has been made as to the recreational use of Duncairn Reservoir with over 250 properties in the seven resort developments,” said Lemon.
Reid Lake, formed by Duncairn Reservoir, is an established year-round lake with both seasonal and full-time residents. Each year, the Shaunavon Wildlife Federation holds a walleye fishing tournament with up to one hundred teams registered.
“It is one of only a few summer vacation and weekend destinations for the people of southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta,” said Lemon. “And the economic benefits from the recreational use of the Reservoir are enormous.”
Citing an economic impact survey, Lemon said the property value across the resorts ranges from $200,000 to $1 million, with an average of $10,000 to $20,000 per property spent each summer. Most of the items purchased support Gull Lake or Swift Current. The RM of Webb and the RM of Bone Creek also receive a considerable amount of property taxes.
He added, “People put their life savings into these properties in good faith, trusting they would be protected. But their concerns are being ignored. If they lost these properties, it’s not just them who suffer – it would make a huge economic and environmental impact.”
Conclusion
The Stakeholders Group have spent years dedicated to protecting their homes and the habitats surrounding them. While they understand the motives of irrigation expansion, they’re continually failing to see the proper resources committed to ensuring this project is safe, informed, and absolutely necessary.
If you’re interested in being a part of the Association’s efforts, or wish to learn more, you can contact the Homeowners of Duncairn Dam through their Facebook page or the Rock Ridge RV Resort page.