Project Overview
In April 2025, the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) lined a 400-metre section of the North Brudett irrigation canal in southern Alberta using CCX-MAT® (CCX-M®) to address water seepage. The canal is part of a large irrigation network established in 1898, now delivering water to over 2,300 irrigators across 518,000 acres between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The original un-reinforced concrete lining, installed in the 1970s, had deteriorated due to decades of freeze–thaw cycles, reducing capacity and causing extensive losses. With irrigation season approaching, a fast and effective solution was required.
Solution
CCX-M® was specified for lining the canal, primarily for its speed and ease of installation (which allowed the district to self-perform) and importantly, its low permeability, with proven ability to reduce seepage by up to 96% based on measurements taken on a similar canal structure. Its ease of handling allowed SMRID to self-perform the works, completing over 3,300m² in under three days while also improving durability against animal damage and future maintenance.
Design & Installation
- CCX-M® Bulk Rolls specified
- Existing lining removed and channel re-cut
- Transverse deployment
- Anchor trenches along perimeter edges
- Screwed and sealed overlap joints
- Hydrated using a 2,000-gallon water truck and lay-flat hose
Summary
Offering a minimum operational design life of over 50 years, the lower carbon CCX-M® was installed at less than half the cost and at twice the speed of the concrete alternative using their own crew. Based on the success of this first section, the irrigation district is proposing to line subsequent sections of the North Brudett canal network going forward.
Useful Resources
SMRID lined 400m (1,300ft) of the North Burdett canal in Alberta, Canada, with CCX-M® to cut seepage, cost and time
Related Projects
Kennewick, WA, USA
CCX-M® used to line Kennewick’s Highlift Canal, protecting against erosion, seepage and animal damage
New Mexico, USA
CCX-M® lined a New Mexico irrigation canal, reducing seepage by 96% and protecting 6,000 ft² from erosion and animal damage
North Sterling, Colorado
CCX-M™ lined a swale in North Sterling, Colorado, providing erosion protection and reducing future canal maintenance