The Medicine River
Who we Are
We are a non-profit society, comprised of a group of community volunteers who care about the health, access and sustainability of water sources in central Alberta.
Our Mission
The mission of the Medicine River Watershed Society is to increase awareness of the importance of water quality, riparian health and the natural beauty of the Medicine River.
The Society advocates for community, industry and government involvement in protecting and conserving the Medicine River watershed.
Water Shortage Advisory
The Medicine River and its tributaries have been under a water shortage advisory since May 15, 2025
Where we are Located
The Medicine River watershed is located in the northwest portion of the Red Deer River watershed, with an extensive hydrological network that flows through the Foothills, Boreal Forest and Parkland Natural Regions. The Medicine River has been identified by the RDRWA as an important source water protection zone for the City of Red Deer, and intersects the rural Counties of Clearwater, Lacombe, Ponoka and Red Deer.
The Medicine River and its tributaries are fed by springs and surface runoff. There is only significant flow during spring runoff and high rain periods. It is 80 km long as the crow flies, but is ~400km in length (by canoe). There is a slope of 88 m in ~400km which results in a 0.019% gradient. It is a very low flow stream that could be more accurately described as a long skinny lake with almost no flow.
A River with two names
The Medicine River, bears a name that originated as a translation from Indigenous terminology. According to historical records, the name “Medicine River” is derived from the Cree words “muskiki and nipagwasimow,” which actually translates to “Sundance River” in English. The name Medicine River was adopted and remains on all maps however.
Read more about the historical name context as reported in the Alberta West news.
What we do:
- Partner with the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance to monitor and report on the health and supply of water sources in the Medicine River Watershed rivers and streams
- Represent the concerns of individuals, and communities to local and provinicial governing bodies
- Provide education to community groups, families and schools
- Lead and coordinate activities aimed at improving the health of the watershed and a sustainable water supply
- Support positive stewardship of water usage so that there is clean water available to support human, animal and aquatic life for future generations.
To learn more about the work that MRWS is doing, click on the buttons below:
Thank you to Our Sponsors and Partners
We are all working together to ensure that those who live and work in the Medicine River watershed geographical area have access to sustainable water for years to come.
The Medicine River Watershed Society 