Friday, August 28, 2026
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 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.
“Keeping Alberta’s waterways free of invasive species is no small task, but we’re committed to protecting our lakes and rivers. This dip tank pilot is another tool we’re using to help prevent invasive mussels from entering Alberta’s waterways and keep our province mussel-free,” said Eric Bouchard, aquatic invasive species task force chair, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed.
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.
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.
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.
“Cypress County is pleased to see continued provincial investment in protecting Alberta’s waterways and critical water infrastructure. 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,” said Dan Hamilton, Mayor, Cypress County.
According to the Province, 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.
“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,” said Richard Phillips, chair, Alberta Irrigation District Association.
The Province’s Budget 2026 invested more than $10 million to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Alberta, including 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
Featured image: Alberta’s new watercraft dip tank at the Dunmore watercraft inspection station (Government of Alberta)
