Canada’s first dip tank takes on aquatic invaders, announcement made in Walsh

Reeve Dan Hamilton at the Walsh news conference (screen capture)

Contributed

Alberta is implementing Canada’s first watercraft dip tank to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Alberta’s government is investing in Canada’s first dip tank system in Dunmore to help prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Alberta’s waterways. The innovative system uses hot water to treat trailered watercraft, killing mussels, larvae and other invasive species on hulls, intakes, engines and ballast tanks. The tank is large enough to fully submerge watercraft and is particularly effective for large boats with ballast systems that can be difficult to clean.

“Alberta is taking action to stop aquatic invasive species from spreading. By investing in innovative solutions like a dip tank, we are protecting our lakes, rivers and reservoirs for generations to come,” explained Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

Work is also underway on a first-of-its-kind mobile dip tank that will use hot water to treat watercraft and trailers. The unit will be deployed at high-priority locations and respond to emerging threats at inspection stations and shorelines.

“Southern Alberta knows how important reliable, healthy water systems are to families, farmers and communities. This dip tank pilot is a smart investment that will help protect our lakes, rivers and irrigation infrastructure from invasive mussels before they can take hold,” explained Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat.

“Cypress County is pleased to see continued provincial investment in protecting Alberta’s waterways and critical water infrastructure,” said Dan Hamilton , Cypress County Reeve. “The addition of this new dip tank strengthens the important work being done at watercraft inspection stations to prevent invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species from entering our region. These proactive measures help safeguard our irrigation systems, ecosystems and water resources for communities, agriculture and future generations.”

“Invasive mussels are a serious threat to Alberta’s waterways, including our irrigation infrastructure. Dip tanks will be a highly effective addition to Alberta’s efforts to prevent their introduction, ensuring that live mussels and mussel larvae are not present on boats entering our province. Alberta’s irrigation districts applaud our provincial government’s increasing efforts to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels to our province.”

Richard Phillips, chair, Alberta Irrigation District Association

The dip tank is part of Alberta’s comprehensive strategy to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering the province. Alongside two new conservation K-9s, a record 12 watercraft inspection stations and some of the highest penalties in North America, Alberta is taking action to protect its waterways, infrastructure and economy.

Quick facts:

• Budget 2026 invested more than $10 million to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Alberta.
  • This includes operating expenses of $5.4 million for the AIS Program, including:
    • Twelve watercraft inspection stations, up from 11 in 2025: $4.6 million;
    • Two decontamination stations in Lethbridge and Edmonton: $275,000;
    • Three Conservation K-9 teams: $525,000.
• Alberta waters remain free of invasive mussels.
  • So far in 2026, Alberta has intercepted eight watercraft carrying invasive mussels.
  • In 2025, 21,995 boats were inspected, and 13 watercraft carrying invasive mussels were detected in Alberta.
  • Contaminated watercraft all entered from the eastern provinces in Canada, or the United States.
• The prototype mobile dip tank is being developed with the Okanagan Basin Water Board, based on an original concept from UBC’s School of Engineering, and is expected to be operational by summer 2027.