Water quality advisory issued for Crawling Valley Reservoir campground beach - August 21, 2026

BASSANO – Due to elevated levels of bacteria, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising the public not to swim or wade at this beach area on Crawling Valley Reservoir, effective immediately.

Elevated levels of bacteria were detected via testing of the reservoir water at this beach location. At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at Crawling Valley Reservoir campground beach. There is also the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any body of water, including Crawling Valley Reservoir, at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

USE OF IRRIGATION CANALS AND EID INFRASTRUCTURE

USE AT OWN RISK

The EID provides essential irrigation services to support agriculture in Alberta through its irrigation system. EID’s canals, ditches, dugouts, pipelines, reservoirs, and related infrastructure are designed and operated primarily for the delivery and management of water for irrigated agriculture purposes. The EID also conveys water through its irrigation system to benefit municipalities, industry, wildlife habitat and for recreational purposes.

Except for designated locations on certain reservoirs, EID’s irrigation system is not intended to be used for recreational activities such as, but not limited to, swimming, boating, fishing, walking, climbing on, or any other public use. Designated swimming locations are located at Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground Beach, Crawling Valley Reservoir Campground Beach and Kinbrook Island Provincial Park Beach. No lifeguards are on duty and all users use these locations at their own risk.

If you choose to access or use any of our infrastructure on or within our irrigation system for recreational purposes, you do so entirely at your own risk. The EID assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries, damages, or incidents that may occur. Potential known and unknown hazards include, but are not limited to:

1. Fast-moving and fluctuating water levels that can change suddenly without warning.
2. Currents and objects under water.
3. Untreated water that may contain fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, livestock waste, and other pollutants from surface run-off which may pose health risks if ingested or contacted. Water in our canals and reservoirs (just like rivers and lakes) is untreated and is not for drinking or cooking with.
4. Slippery canal banks and concrete, uneven terrain and loose rocks that can lead to trips, slips and falls.
5. Structures that create dangerous re-circulating currents which can trap and submerge individuals.
6. Shallow areas and sudden drops which can cause injury, boat damage or drowning.

Special Warning for Children and Families:

Children not under direct parental or adult supervision should never play in or near irrigation canals, ditches, dugouts, pipelines, reservoirs and related infrastructure except at designated beaches and campgrounds. These areas can be extremely hazardous. Parents or adults are urged to keep children away from these sites to prevent possible injury or death and to supervise their children at all times at designated beaches and campgrounds as there are no lifeguards on duty.