Waterton

The Waterton hydroelectric facility is located near the town of Glenwood, Alberta.

The facility takes advantage of river flows released from the Waterton Reservoir by Alberta Environment. Even though a reservoir exists, the facility is operated strictly as run-of-river with flow control by Alberta Environment.

The Waterton Reservoir was constructed by the Alberta government in the early 1960s to meet growing irrigation demands in Southern Alberta.

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. The facility uses horizontal Francis turbines and a Kato generator.

The facility is capable of producing about 13,800 megawatt-hours each year.

TransAlta owns and operates the Waterton facility.

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 hydroelectric facility has a UL ECOLOGO® Certification for Renewable Energy.