Residents and businesses asked to conserve water

With extended dry, hot weather and several southern Alberta water basins experiencing shortages, the City of Lethbridge is asking everyone to do their part in conserving water. Voluntary action now will help prevent the need for mandatory restrictions in the coming days and weeks.

Residents, businesses and institutions are asked to take whatever actions they can – big or small – to conserve water. Every drop matters and everyone has a role to play in helping conserve water in their community and for their neighbours downstream.

Ways to conserve water can include:

• Limiting all outdoor uses including watering lawns and washing cars
• Do not run the tap unnecessarily. Consider reusing water where possible
• Minimize shower time and bath levels
• Use the washer and dishwasher only when necessary
• Flush toilets only when necessary
• Brainstorm ideas within your own businesses, institutions or work areas to see where other conservation efforts might make sense

While the water conservation effort is in effect, the City of Lethbridge is rationing water usage in the following ways:

• Suspending washing of City vehicles unless necessary for safety reasons
• Reducing watering in feature parks, sportsfields and schools by 25 per cent
• Reducing watering in other parks and boulevards by 50 per cent
• Temporarily closing Gyro Spray Park at Nicholas Sheran and Rotary Fountain in Galt Gardens at the end of the day Thursday, August 17. Legacy Park Spray Park will remain open at this time.
• Dry street sweeping where possible

The City of Lethbridge provides water to Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte, Monarch, Diamond City, Shaughnessy, Iron Springs, Turin and other regional partners. All communities are requested to help conserve water.

The Alberta government continues to monitor the situation watching precipitation levels, reservoirs and lake levels, stream flow rates in rivers and water demand. They continue to work closely with municipal governments to help manage and conserve water where possible. More information is available here: Drought | Alberta.ca

Water conservation efforts are in place until further notice and residents are thanked in advance for their cooperation.