2022 to present
THE VERY GOOD NEWS:
In the spring of 2025, members of the GLWS Board had the privilege of meeting with the Premier of Alberta, the Minister of Environment, and the Minister of Agriculture. Their time, attention, and genuine interest in the future of Gull Lake meant a great deal to our organization.
The outcome of that meeting was extraordinary: the Premier announced a generous commitment of $1.6 million to help bring the filtration project to completion. This support is a tremendous boost to our efforts and reflects the Alberta Government’s belief in the importance of restoring and protecting Gull Lake. With this funding, we are now on track to begin pumping water from the Blindman River again by April 1, 2026 — a milestone made possible by their partnership and leadership.
THE HISTORY AND EFFORTS OF THE GULL LAKE WATERSHED SOCIEITY:
The Gull Lake Watershed Society (GLWS) began the process of researching and developing a filtration system around 2022, with construction scheduled to begin in winter 2025.
The stabilization project to pump water into Gull Lake from the Blindman River has been in place since 1976. However, pumping was suspended in 2018 to prevent the transfer of invasive Prussian carp and their eggs into the lake.
To address the low water levels, the GLWS conducted a two-year research program focused on a pressurized filtration system capable of blocking the carp eggs. The society successfully pilot-tested two filter types and submitted a preliminary design report to the government of Alberta for consideration.
The lake has seen low levels before. As of August 2024, levels are about 57 centimeters below average and 78 centimeters below the full supply level target for the lake. The lake had similar levels in 1976-1980, and 2002-2006.
The GLWS carried out a two-year research program aimed at finding a way to resume pumping without transferring carp or the eggs through the stabilization pumping project into the lake. This program was focused on pressurized filtration, which was not considered as an option in a study commissioned by Agriculture and Irrigation. The society carried out testing at the stabilization project site along the Blindman River. Volunteers caught live Prussian carp and extracted their eggs to use in the testing, as well as microspheres that were the same size as the eggs. Pilot tests were carried out on two types of filters, both of which were successful at stopping the actual carp eggs and microspheres that were used for the testing. Testing efforts were focused on the Forsta backwash filter, which is rated to operate within the pressure created by the pumping system. The Forsta filters are self-cleaning filter using a backwash mechanism that triggers when there is a pressure differential across the screen. Further details on how the Forsta filter operates can be found on the Forsta Filter website. To avoid any larger scale issues, the society demonstration tested the Forsta filter at rates of up to 1,000 US gallons per minute, which is one-fifth the size of a full-scale filter (i.e. 3x 5,000 USGPM filters are required for full system capacity). This test demonstrated that the filter worked at larger scales and provided good data on the backwash volumes required. The Forsta internal screens were designed to stop everything above 200 microns, which is a conservative design as carp eggs average about 1,000 microns (1 millimeter) in diameter. The testing was overseen by representatives from Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Protected Areas, Stantec engineering, and representatives from the four municipalities around the lake. Stantec prepared a report on the filter viability which concluded: “It is Stantec’s opinion that a properly designed pressurized filtration system operated with the failure mitigation methods outlined will be 100 per cent successful in avoiding the transference of Prussian carp or their eggs to Gull Lake through the stabilization pumping system pipeline.” Stantec also provided a cost estimate for purchasing and installing the filtration system of $574,000. It also recommended additional upgrades be done to modernize the 50-year-old pumphouse to increase efficiency and reduce power cost.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The hard work, determination, and volunteer spirit of the Gull Lake Watershed Society do not end here. In many ways, this is where the next chapter begins. The commitment from the Alberta Government has created real momentum — a turning point made possible only because of years of persistence, research, advocacy, and community-driven leadership from the GLWS.
Now, with funding secured and a clear path forward, the focus shifts to collaboration and execution. Meetings and consultations with the Alberta Government and MNP, the project coordinator, are already underway. GLWS engineers are working side-by-side with MNP’s engineering team to refine designs, confirm timelines, and ensure every detail supports the goal of starting pumping on April 1, 2026 — exactly as promised.
This timeline is more than a target; it’s a symbol of hope for everyone who loves Gull Lake. And with the continued dedication of the GLWS and the strong partnership now in place, there is every reason to believe this project will move ahead on time, on budget, and with measurable impact. The future of Gull Lake is brighter than it has been in years — and the work happening today is what will bring the water back tomorrow.
call to action:
Gull Lake is on the path to renewal — and this is your moment to be part of its comeback story. With the filtration project nearing launch and pumping targeted to resume on April 1, 2026, community involvement matters now more than ever.
You can help by spreading awareness, sharing updates with friends and neighbors, and keeping the conversation alive. Support the lake’s long-term future by joining the GLWS and encouraging others to do the same. Staying connected is important: members receive a monthly newsletter with a message from the President and key project updates.
As the Society prepares for the next phase of improvements already under discussion, we encourage those who are able to consider making a donation to help build momentum for what comes next.
Stand with us. Share the story. Become a member. Support the next chapter. Together, we can restore Gull Lake and keep it thriving for generations to come.