The Redwater River is a river in central Alberta, Canada. It is a tributary of the North Saskatchewan River, flowing generally eastward through agricultural lands north and northeast of the provincial capital, Edmonton.
Course: The river originates in the rural areas north of Legal, Alberta. From its source, it flows predominantly east, traversing a landscape characterized by mixed farmland and some forested areas. Its course takes it through the northern part of Sturgeon County before entering Thorhild County. The river eventually empties into the North Saskatchewan River near the town of Redwater, which derives its name from the river.
Geography and Significance: The Redwater River is part of the larger Saskatchewan River basin, which ultimately drains into Lake Winnipeg and then via the Nelson River into Hudson Bay. The river plays a role in the local hydrology of the region, providing drainage for agricultural areas. The town of Redwater, located near the river's confluence with the North Saskatchewan, developed due to its proximity to this waterway and the subsequent economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas industry and agriculture. While not a major navigational river, it contributes to the ecological diversity of its immediate floodplain and surrounding areas.