The County of Stettler council heard that a new public water station for agriculture and other uses won’t be in operation until 2026. The update was provided at the Oct. 8 regular meeting of council.

Coun. Paul McKay asked for an update on the Donalda reservoir project, which is actually a public water station that would offer water for agriculture and other uses. McKay observed that winter is approaching and projects like this get more expensive if the ground has frost in it.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Yvette Cassidy stated the project is still ongoing but the county has been trying unsuccessfully to speak with the Village of Donalda about the project. Cassidy noted that the last time the County of Stettler spoke to Donalda about the water station the village wasn’t agreeable to a couple of things the county was interested in, including selling the site in question to the County of Stettler or giving the county control over the access road to that site.

The CAO stated that the county had a preliminary site design in hand which was sent out to council for comments, and those comments are being considered right now. As well, the site design has been sent for engineers for their input and the county is hoping engineers will respond in 30 to 60 days.

Cassidy noted that once the engineers respond county staff can begin site preparations; however, she noted some site preparations could be done before winter. She added two jobs that require work include fencing and access.

It was noted that some members of the public are accessing the site in question in an incorrect manner.

The CAO also noted the County of Stettler has had inquiries from Donalda-area members of the public inquiring why the county doesn’t build the new water station in the county. Cassidy stated she felt if the station was built in the county rather than very near or in the Village of Donalda it would defeat the purpose of the project which was to provide Donalda-area users with quality potable water.

If built in the County of Stettler, “...then Donalda is still coming off an old antiquated stand-up pipe that one day is going to fail and never work again,” said Cassidy.

The CAO stated that with generally dry conditions this summer the county is hearing more often from residents with dry wells looking for help finding water.

Cassidy also stated that a further problem with building the new water station in the county is that it may only have the standard water pressure common to the water region’s network, which may or may not be very high.

It was noted during discussion that the County of Stettler has a grant through Alberta Transportation for this project.

Coun. McKay stated the Donalda area has been very dry over the past while as he’s had to haul water for his cows since June.

During discussion it was stated that a new Donalda-area water station probably wouldn’t be open for use until mid-2026.

Cassidy added that based on what county staff has seen and heard recently a Donalda-area water station would be very busy.