Waterton

The Waterton hydro facility, constructed in 1992, takes advantage of Waterton River flows released from the Waterton Reservoir by Alberta Environment.

The Waterton Reservoir was constructed by the Alberta government in the early 1960s to meet growing irrigation demands in Southern Alberta. The facility is capable of producing about 13,800 megawatt hours each year.

Water for the facility is obtained within the dam diversion tunnel valve room. It flows to the turbine through 193 metres of 1.5-metre-diameter steel penstock mounted within the diversion tunnel. Even though a reservoir exists, the facility is operated strictly as run-of-river with flow control by Alberta Environment.

TransAlta owns and operates the Waterton facility through its wholly owned subsidiary Canadian Hydro Developers.

At a Glance

• Technology: Horizontal Francis turbines, Kato generator

Environmental Highlights

• Protection of the environment is an important part of our hydro power business, as is responsible water use. We continually work with environmental and community groups to ensure habitats are protected, and that all users’ needs are heard.
• The Waterton facility is EcoLogo^M certified by the Environmental Choice Program.