Helping Lethbridge’s waterways stay healthy

You might notice some activity around our stormwater ponds over the coming days. It’s all part of keeping Lethbridge’s waterways clean and healthy.

Starting July 15, contractors are surveying 22 ponds throughout the city. The work involves a small boat cruising across pond surfaces to collect sediment samples, snap photos and map out the shape of the pond bottoms.

Ponds play a big role in managing stormwater runoff. They collect materials like dirt, gravel, oils and nutrients from streets and sidewalks. But over time, all that buildup can reduce how much water the ponds can hold and affect the quality of water that flows into the Oldman River.

These bathymetric surveys (a fancy term for underwater mapping) will help us understand how much sediment has collected over the years. We’ll use this info - alongside water quality monitoring - to plan the most efficient way to restore these ponds in the future.

Restoration usually involves dredging the excess material so the pond can function properly again. It’s all part of maintaining a cleaner environment for both people and wildlife.

The project should take around two weeks, as long as Mother Nature cooperates. Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work!

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.