The Blindman River Watershed

The Blindman River flows south from southwest of Winfield, Alberta, approximately 155 km downstream to the Red Deer River, near Blackfalds, Alberta. Its tributaries include Anderson Creek, Boyd Creek, Lloyd Creek, and Potter Creek.

The Blindman River Watershed encompasses almost 3,000 km², including the counties of Lacombe, Ponoka, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin.

The Blindman River is an important water supply for households, wildlife, agriculture, energy, and recreation.

About the Friends of the Blindman

Vision:

A healthy Blindman River watershed supported by an informed and engaged community.

Mission:

Advocate for better protections and management of our watershed’s ecosystems and groundwater resources through monitoring, education and outreach.

Policy Recommendations:

• Advocate for better protections for rivers (options may include public review of In-Stream Objectives, Water Conservation Objectives or alternatives, such as crown reservations, water conservation licences, water trusts, etc).
• Explore establishing a hierarchy of use for groundwater.
• No freshwater for hydraulic fracturing in any area, while under a Water Shortage Advisory.
• Stricter rules around Temporary Water Diversion Licenses (TDLs) so companies can not use them to avoid a term licence.
  • TDLs for hydraulic fracturing need to fall under Manual 25, or equivalent.
  • A maximum volume per licence, per year, per project.
  • No TDLs from shallow, non-saline groundwater.
  • Failing the above, no TDLs for hydraulic fracturing.
• More transparent application and approvals process for licenses.
• Advocate for single licenser for all freshwater licences (should only be Alberta Environment and Protected Areas).
• Public reporting of water use.
• Improved groundwater monitoring.