| Zelma Reservoir | |
| Location: | RM of Morris No. 312, Saskatchewan |
| Coords: | 51.8321°N -105.8373°W |
| Type: | Reservoir |
| Inflow: | Aqueduct originating at Lake Diefenbaker |
| Basin Countries: | Canada |
| Agency: | Saskatchewan Water Security Agency |
| Date-Built: | 1967 |
| Date-Flooded: | 1967 |
| Cities: | None |
| Pushpin Map: | Saskatchewan#Canada |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Saskatchewan |
Zelma Reservoir[1] is a reservoir in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan in the Rural Municipality of Morris No. 312. It is about east-southeast of the town of Colonsay.[2] The reservoir was built in 1967 as part of South Saskatchewan River Project. That project, originating at Gardiner Dam of Lake Diefenbaker, involved the building of aqueducts, canals, and a series of reservoirs to supply water for irrigation, consumption, and industry. Other reservoirs in the system include Broderick Reservoir, Brightwater Reservoir, Indi Lake, Blackstrap Lake, Bradwell Reservoir, and Dellwood Reservoir.[3] [4]
The BHP potash mine at Jansen gets its water supply from Zelma Reservoir through the Zelma East Non-Potable Water Supply.[5] [6]
There are no communities along the reservoir's shores. Besides Colonsay, other nearby communities include Zelma and Young. There is a public boat launch at the north-east corner, near the dam[7] and access is from Highway 763.[8] [9] [10]
Zelma Dam, which was built in 1967, contains the reservoir. The dam is high and the reservoir has a capacity of .[11] The dam and reservoir are owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency.[12]
Fish commonly found in Zelma Reservoir include northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye. In 2019, Zelma Reservoir was stocked with 200,000 walleye fry.[13] [14]