Water Wednesday

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. Last week, we saved our family of four (the Hendersons) upwards of $800 a year and conserved around 315,000 litres of water in their bathroom. This week, we move to their kitchen. A report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows kitchen water accounts for about 15 per cent of indoor water use. A few small behaviour changes can lead to big savings. The information provided here is based on the April 2024 City of Lethbridge residential water rate of $1.327 per cubic meter.

Use Your (full) Dishwasher

“It might seem counterintuitive, but modern dishwashers are so efficient that they actually use less water than washing by hand, as long as you fill them up,” says Kathleen Sheppard, Executive Director of Environment Lethbridge.

Handwashing dishes can use upwards of 100 litres of water per load. Let’s say the Hendersons wash breakfast and dinner dishes every day. That adds up to around 73,000 litres of water every year. That number is easily reduceable.

• Fill one sink halfway for washing and the other halfway for rinsing.
• Only using one sink? Use a dish rack for washed dishes then rinse them together with one spray of water.
• Avoid continuously running the water for rinsing.

A dishwasher is a better option. Older model dishwashers use upwards of 22 litres of water per load. Assuming one full load per day, the Hendersons’ machine would use around 8,030 litres of water every year. That’s 89 per cent less water usage than hand washing. And that number shrinks even more with an efficient dishwasher. As of July 2023, an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher cannot use more than 12.11 litres of water per cycle. A daily load now results in only 4,420 litres of water per year. If the Hendersons move from hand washing to an efficient dishwasher, they reduce their annual water usage (and costs!) by 94 per cent!

Avoid Your Garburator

The Hendersons love using their garburator after every meal. But that convenience comes with a cost.

“Garbage disposals use a lot of water,” says Sheppard. “The best thing you can do is put your food waste in your green bin, which saves water and turns your food waste into compost.”

According to Sheppard, a garburator uses up to 8.5 litres of water per minute. If the Hendersons ditched their disposal, they could conserve upwards of 9,300 litres of water per year.

Reduce Your Flow

Reducing your faucet’s flow rate will also shrink you water bill. A standard kitchen faucet can flow at around eight litres per minute. If the Hendersons run their kitchen faucet for five minutes a day, that’s 14,600 litres of water every year. New federal standards will lower flow rates to a maximum of 6.8 litres per minute. That would conserve more than 2,100 litres of water with one faucet alone.

There are several other ways the Henderson can conserve water in their kitchen, including:

• Installing a hot water dispenser.
• Repairing faucet and plumbing leaks.
• Keeping a jug of cold water in the fridge.
• Not using water to defrost frozen foods.

These slight changes can conserve more than 80,000 litres of water. That’s a reduction of more than 83 per cent, or the amount needed to fill an average six-person hot tub around 55 times.  It would also save the Henderson family more than $110 over the course of a year.

Next week, we tackle the Hendersons’ laundry room!

As summer approaches, we know the community has a lot of questions about water scarcity. Answers to most of these questions are in the Water Conservation Plan and Strategy (WCPAS). We’re using this week’s Water Wednesday to answer some of the more common inquiries.

Are restrictions currently in place?

No.

As of May 15, 2024, the City of Lethbridge has not implemented the Water Rationing Action Plan (WRAP). An updated version of the WRAP includes new reduction targets and violation charges. The proposed bylaw amendment for the WRAP goes to City Council on May 14 for further discussion. Meanwhile, we ask the community to continue voluntary conservation efforts.

Many factors will contribute to any future restrictions. These include reservoir levels, mountain snowpack measurements, the water supply outlook and the discretion of the Engineer. On April 19, the province announced voluntary water-sharing agreements (WSA). Major water license holders in southern Alberta (including the City of Lethbridge) agree to cut water use during severe droughts. Lethbridge’s WSA is with the City of Medicine Hat, Lethbridge County and the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. Once activated, it’s anticipated the WSA will move Lethbridge to Stage One of the WRAP. This could happen by the end of May.

Am I allowed to water my vegetable garden?

Yes.

We understand the importance and prevalence of vegetable gardens in Lethbridge. When using a sprinkler, focus on high value assets like food producing gardens and trees. Outdoor watering restrictions in the WRAP aim to avoid runoff to ditches, swales, storm drains and gutters. The outdoor restrictions do not include using handheld containers to water outdoors until Stage Four.

Will the City provide rain barrels?

The WCPAS features economic measures to help invest in water conservation. This includes incentive programs for rain barrels. The City will not provide rain barrels. Instead, future available grant money can offer rebates. Rebate programs are also planned for water efficient toilets and xeriscaping. The City will release details once funding information is available.

How are irrigation districts affected?

Southern Alberta agriculture producers are doing their part to conserve water. Water allocation for the St. Mary River Irrigation District and Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District is currently set at eight inches per acre. This represents an approximately 50 per cent reduction from normal, highlighting their dedication to ensuring sufficient water supplies across southern Alberta.

Are local golf courses included in water conservation and restrictions?

The City of Lethbridge does not have oversight of water usage by local golf courses. Some courses have individual licenses through the province. Others receive their water from the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District or the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. As an example, Henderson Lake Golf Course receives its water from Henderson Lake, supplied through the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District. The province continues to encourage all water license holders in the Oldman River Basin (including local golf courses) to meet the same requirements as the signatories to the Oldman River Basin Water Sharing Agreement, including the City of Lethbridge.

As water scarcity becomes a reality in southern Alberta, more people are curious about Xeriscaping. But what is it, exactly?

"Remember that xeriscaping and zeroscaping are not the same,” says Kathleen Sheppard, Executive Director of Environment Lethbridge. “Xeriscaping replaces water intensive landscaping, like lawns, with drought tolerant plant species. Zeroscaping uses rock and gravel and can actually have a negative impact because it increases runoff during rain events."

There are seven principles of xeriscaping. Let’s explore them.

1. Plan & Design: You wouldn’t build a home without blueprints. So don’t create a landscape without a plan. No two yards are the same. Take time to understand your layout and how to incorporate water-conserving techniques and vegetation. There are many factors to consider, including topography, sun exposure and prevailing winds.

2. Improve the Soil: The goal is to have soil that simultaneously drains quickly and stores water. Adding compost to your soil will help it hold moisture. Supporting the growth of new plants’ roots system is also key. Loosening the soil allows water and air to access the roots.

3. Vegetation: Choosing what vegetation to plant, and how, is important. Use drought-resistant plants that are native to your area. Their deep roots can access more sub-surface moisture than non-native plants. Have a plan for the location of specific plants. Organizing plants according to their water needs allows for more efficient water usage.

4. Turf Areas: Turf is important. It’s a good area for kids to play, it helps cool the environment and it reduces sun glare. But other ground cover plants perform similar functions, so you can aim to reduce your turf surface area. Many southern Alberta yards feature Kentucky Blue Grass. Consider switching to a more water-efficient option like fine fescues or rye grass. When watering turf, be sure to avoid runoff.

5. Irrigation: Use soaker hoses or a drip-irrigation system to avoid overwatering. These target the base of a plant, ensuring the best water efficiency. As with any outdoor watering, set your timers to water early in the morning or at night to reduce water loss through evaporation. Don’t know how much water to use on your plants? You should notice a bit of wilting during the peak heat of the day, and back to full perkiness as temperatures cool.

6. Mulch: Soil needs all the protection it can get. Use mulch to help your soil retain moisture and limit competing weed growth. Organic mulches include wood chips, leaves and grass clippings. These will incorporate with the soil over time, so be sure to top it up every so often. Inorganic mulches include rock, gravel and fabricated metals. You’ll need between three to six inches of mulch to maximize its effectiveness.

7. Maintenance: While it is a low maintenance option, xeriscaping isn’t a “set it and forget it” approach. Monitor each plant to ensure it receives the proper mixture of water and sunshine. Tall grass is a natural mulch, so keep your turf at least two-and-a-half to three inches high.

Xeriscaping shouldn’t feel like a daunting task. You can start small and expand it over time.

"You don't have to xeriscape your entire yard all at once,” says Kathleen Sheppard. “As an intermediary step, try converting a small patch of lawn to something more drought tolerant. Or plant some native wildflowers instead of petunias."

You can view this brochure, from the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, for more details on the seven principles of xeriscaping.

As summer approaches, we wanted to update the community on efforts to address water consumption challenges. We’ve seen a lot of rainfall so far this month. And that’s great! Reservoirs levels are increasing but remain below normal levels. Irrigation demand will also increase in the weeks and months ahead, drawing water from the reservoirs. We update information on the levels in the Oldman, St. Mary and Waterton reservoirs every week at www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation. This web page also offers water conservation tips, the latest local and provincial news and much more.

Water users across southern Alberta are combining forces to tackle water supply issues. Here’s how.

1. The City of Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge County and the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District have activated the Oldman South Saskatchewan River Basin water-sharing agreement (WSA). In short, these WSAs are a commitment to work together to continue managing our water resources wisely. It’s important to note: nothing changes in Lethbridge! There are currently no mandatory restrictions. We ask the community to continue voluntary water conservation methods whenever possible. Another WSA is active, involving the County of Warner and several irrigation districts.
2. Speaking of irrigation districts: many are cutting water allocations this year. The Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District and St. Mary’s River Irrigation District are allocating only eight inches of water per acre. That’s down from a normal of between 16-22 inches.
3. The City of Lethbridge is working to revise its Water Bylaw to accommodate the updated Water Rationing Action Plan (WRAP). City Council passed first reading of a necessary amendment at its May 14 meeting. Second and third readings are scheduled for the May 28 Council meeting. If both readings pass, the revised WRAP will be adopted into the Water bylaw 3999. In the meantime, the City continues proactive measures to conserve water across all departments.

These cooperative efforts will maximize water supply across southern Alberta in the weeks and months to come.

Southern Alberta reservoirs are under the spotlight. Reservoir levels are a significant indicator of future water supply. In 2023, levels in the Oldman Reservoir dropped to a level not seen in more than 20 years. The situation has improved, but levels remain below normal. The City of Lethbridge is monitoring reservoir levels closely.

For today’s Water Wednesday, we dive into the importance of reservoirs. What are they? What purposes do they serve? How do they impact our current water situation? We’re glad you asked!

What is a reservoir?

Simply put: a reservoir is a body of water, either man-made or natural, used as a source of water supply.

What purposes does a reservoir serve?

As we often see in the Oldman River, the amount of water varies over time. Reservoirs help to control streamflow levels in times of flood and drought. During heavy rain or significant snow melt, reservoirs can capture excess water and limit its flow downriver. Conversely, stored water can be released from reservoirs in times of drought to help address shortages. Reservoirs also control river flow and offer recreational activities, like boating and fishing.

What reservoirs impact the Oldman River?

There are three major onstream storage reservoirs in the Oldman watershed.

1. The Oldman River Reservoir is in the MD of Pincher Creek. It was created shortly after the Oldman River Dam was completed in 1991.
2. Completed in 1964, the Waterton Reservoir is an irrigation supply reservoir located just west of the village of Hill Spring.
3. Located in Cardston County, the St. Mary Reservoir is the largest irrigation supply reservoir in Alberta. It formed after the damming of the St. Mary River in 1951.

How do these reservoirs impact the Oldman River?

All three reservoirs are operated in concert to ensure there is enough water flowing in the Oldman River.

• The Oldman River Reservoir stores water from the North Fork of the Oldman River, as well as the Crowsnest and Castle Rivers. It releases water directly into the Oldman River and provides most of the river’s flows.
• The Waterton Reservoir stores water from the Waterton River. The dam on the north end of the reservoir releases it back into the river. The Waterton River connects with the Belly River, south of Fort Macleod. The Belly River connects with the Oldman River upstream of Lethbridge, near Coalhurst.
• The St. Mary Reservoir stores water from the St. Mary River. The dam on the north end of the reservoir releases the water back into the river. The St. Mary River connects to the Oldman River immediately upstream (south) of Lethbridge.

Above-normal precipitation and cooler temperatures have added much-needed water to all three reservoirs. While this is reason for optimism, we’re not in the clear. Hotter, dryer days are on the horizon, and demand will soon increase. To view updated reservoir levels, and for much more information on water conservation in southern Alberta, visit https://www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. This week, we explore an issue impacting not only southern Alberta, but the entire world: climate change. Specifically, how does climate change impact water conservation? Let’s start by defining what climate change is, and what it is not.

Climate change is often mislabeled as ‘global warming’. Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature. Its primary cause is an increased concentration of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere.

Climate change, as outlined in the City of Lethbridge Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, refers to “the significant change in global temperature, precipitation, wind patterns and other measures of climate that occur over several decades or longer." (The Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan is in the final stages of development. It is expected to be presented to a Standing Policy Committee later this year.)

It’s also important to differentiate between ‘climate change’ and ‘weather’. Climate change is a trend, weather reflects current conditions.

So, how does climate change relate to water conservation?

"Climate change doesn't directly cause rainstorms or a drought, but it can worsen them, “says Kathleen Sheppard, Executive Director of Environment Lethbridge. “What used to be a 20-millimeter rainstorm might now be two or three times that amount. Droughts may also last longer, putting more strain on our water supply as precipitation decreases."

Climate records show annual precipitation levels in southern Alberta are decreasing. The region saw 398 mm of precipitation in 1951. By 2017, that number dropped to 323 mm. That’s a decrease of almost 20 per cent.

We’re seeing this reflected in several ways, including reservoir levels. Warmer winter days see less snowfall. And that means lower mountain snowpack levels to melt and fill reservoirs. A 2004 study highlighted scientific concerns of climate change increasing the frequency, duration and severity of droughts in the southern Prairies.

"In southern Alberta, drought due to climate change is a major concern,” Sheppard notes. “Not every year will be as harsh as this past winter. But we should expect water scarcity to increase, especially during the hot summer months. Even if reservoirs replenish this year, conservation remains crucial for future preparedness.”

The City of Lethbridge is partnering with other municipalities, and the province, to address water scarcity. The water conservation website includes the city’s full Water Conservation Plan & Strategy. It also offers water conservation tips, answers to frequently asked questions and much more.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. This week, we explore water use by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES). Water is, of course, indispensable in firefighting. So, how does the department manage water usage while also ensuring community safety?  

The volume of water needed to extinguish a fire depends on its type and size. A residential fire requires between 2,000 to 8,000 litres per minute. Larger commercial fires can demand more than 20,000 litres per minute. A wildfire can consume tens of thousands of litres per minute. Efficient water use is essential in controlling fires and limiting damage. This includes special tools like high-efficiency pumps, water-saving nozzles and aerial equipment.

Beyond firefighting, several daily tasks also rely on water. Things like cleaning equipment, conducting maintenance and training drills. The department is focusing on minimizing water waste through efficient practices.

One such conservation measure is the centralization of training activities at Station 4. A water recovery system captures runoff, redirecting it to the wastewater treatment plant. Like other City departments, LFES is also limiting the exterior washing of trucks. Unless required, the apparatuses are only washed once every two weeks.

Proactive public education also plays a role in LFES water conservation efforts. Community outreach programs can prevent fires, reducing water usage in emergencies. Warmer, drier conditions in the coming weeks increase the risk of fires. Remember to adhere to all fire advisories, restrictions and bans in your area. Also, make sure to take all necessary precautions when managing permitted fires.

Strategic planning and proactive messaging helps LFES maximize water efficiency. They are one of many City departments proactively conserving water. Combined with the community’s voluntary conservations efforts, we’re ensuring a sustainable future for this precious resource.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. This week, we want to share details on the City’s outdoor watering strategy. Balancing watering requirements and conservation efforts for more than 450 hectares is no easy task. Thankfully, we have a team of knowledgeable folks in our Parks and Cemeteries department!

As often as possible, we irrigate during the early morning and evening hours. But, there are several reasons the irrigation system may operate during the daytime. These can include:

• Spring start-up (purging air out of the system, testing the lines).
• Service requests/investigations.
• Regular maintenance.
• Vandalism.
• Performing locates.

The City makes every effort to ensure only targeted areas are irrigated. There are, however, instances a sprinkler may veer off course. This can happen for a few reasons. During start up, sprinkler heads may have shifted and could be spraying in an unplanned direction. System errors can also occur, resulting in a valve stuck open. If you spot an errant sprinkler, please call 311 or chat with a member of the team online.

Parks receive a standard one inch of water per week during the summer months. When Mother Nature provides her own precipitation, the amount is reduced. Irrigation priority is based on a tiering system.

• Tier One: Athletic Parks, Japanese Garden (10 per cent of total space)
• Tier Two: Cemeteries, Regional Parks, School Grounds (38 per cent of total space)
• Tier Three: Community Core Parks, Downtown Core Parks, Neighbourhood Parks (36 percent of total space)
• Tier Four: Buffers, City Lots, Linear Parks, Neighbourhood Pocket Parks, Preservation Areas, River Valley Parks, Walkways (16 per cent of total space)

The tiers dictate water reduction amounts. If the Water Rationing Action Plan is enacted, Tier One parks are the priority. This means the lower tiers would see the largest water reductions.

Let’s talk about trees. They provide significant benefits to the environment and community. As such, they are a watering priority. Some trees are watered by the irrigation system, others with watering trucks.

Maintaining our green infrastructure provides many important benefits. Trees and plants contribute to improved air quality and environmental health. Trees also provide shade and cooling when temperatures soar. And did you know green spaces reduce flood risks? It’s true! Their root systems help absorb and filter stormwater runoff.

The Parks and Cemeteries team is one of many City departments prioritizing water conservation. As we move into the summer months, we will maintain the beauty of our green spaces while ensuring maximum water efficiency.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. We’ve covered a lot of topics during the past 12 weeks. We’ve provided conservation tips, offered an education on southern Alberta reservoirs and explained the ins and outs of Xeriscaping. This week, we’re exploring the treatment of our incoming and outgoing water.

The Oldman River provides the City of Lethbridge its water. Drinking directly from the river is far from advisable. (Actually, not advisable at all. Don’t do that!) An intricate process at the Water Treatment Plant ensures our drinking water is safe. How safe? Lethbridge drinking water consistently exceeds regulated provincial and federal requirements. Plus, it tastes great too! So great, our water has been named the best tasting drinking water in Western Canada.

On the flip side, we must also clean our wastewater before it re-enters the Oldman River south of Peenaquim Park. Efficiency is top of mind in this process. The Wastewater Treatment Plant recycles water through our E-water system (effluent water.) Treated water is pumped back into the plant to use for washing, rinsing and cleaning applications. This helps reduce the amount of potable water consumed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Fun Fact - every year, 6,000 dry tonnes of nutrient-rich wastewater sludge is used to improve crop yields on southern Alberta farmland!

The two treatment plants in Lethbridge service more than 133,000 southern Albertans, across 10 municipalities. That’s a lot of people and places to provide high quality H20 to and as our city grows, the demand increases. Population and business growth are two reasons why we’re seeing increased pressure on the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Other reasons include growth in regional and industrial demands. To ensure we keep up with demand, City Council has been working hard to advocate for the necessary upgrades to both treatment plants.

You can learn more about the City’s water and wastewater efforts on the water website. The site offers information on several topics, including water conservation, watershed protection and stormwater.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. There have been noteworthy changes to southern Alberta’s water situation during the past few months. We’re taking this opportunity to update some of the key indicators of water supply. We’re also providing local context to a couple of recent major water events from outside of the Lethbridge area.

Reservoir Levels

Mother Nature has been kind to southern Alberta in recent weeks. A combination of moderately high precipitation and cooler temperatures has benefitted southern Alberta reservoir levels. As of June 27, levels in the Oldman, St. Mary and Waterton reservoirs are either at or near normal levels. While this is encouraging, hot weather and increased irrigation demands will likely see levels fall in the days and weeks ahead.

Water Supply Outlook

Each month, the province updates the water supply outlook. It uses snowpack survey data to estimate runoff volumes. The latest forecast for the Oldman River basin shows below average supply. Three of the six snow pillows (snow monitoring stations) that supply water to southern Alberta are depleted, meaning snow melt is complete in these areas and no further runoff is expected from them.    

Soil Moisture

The province’s latest soil moisture report shows reason for cautious optimism. Most of southern Alberta received ‘moderately high’ to ‘high’ precipitation accumulations during the early part of the growing season. Some areas received as much as 250 mm between April 1 and June 19. While this doesn’t guarantee ideal soil conditions leading up to harvest, it is an encouraging start compared to recent years.

Milk River Siphon Failure

On June 17, a catastrophic infrastructure failure occurred on the St. Mary Canal in Montana. The 110-year-old pipes diverted water from the St. Mary River into the Milk River that flows into southern Alberta. Since that diversion is no longer occurring, levels in the Milk River are much lower than normal. This will have a significant impact on irrigators in the Milk River Basin, as well as the Town of Milk River. Conversely, the St. Mary irrigation system will have more water than usual.
 
Calgary Feeder Pipe Break

The City of Calgary also suffered a catastrophic water infrastructure failure. On June 5, a feeder main pipe suffered a break. A state of emergency was implemented, and several neighbouring municipalities were affected. The repair, including repaving of the major traffic corridor, has taken several weeks. The City of Calgary lifted indoor water restrictions on July 2, but the overall water system was still only operating at 50 per cent capacity.

Doug Kaupp, General Manager of Water and Wastewater, addressed this situation at the June 25 meeting of Lethbridge City Council. He was asked whether a similar failure could happen in Lethbridge. He made the following points:

• The Calgary pipe was manufactured in the 1970s. Similar pipes in Lethbridge were manufactured in the 1980s. Based on City of Lethbridge research, and Calgary’s experience, the newer pipes have experienced far fewer catastrophic failures.
• Calgary has 190 kilometres of the ‘high pressure concrete’ pipes. Lethbridge has only seven kilometres.
• The damaged pipe in Calgary is almost 80 inches wide. The largest pipe in Lethbridge is only 30 inches.
• Lethbridge’s water transmission system design and configuration ensures that a single transmission pipe failure will only impact one or two of six city reservoirs.
• A lack of necessary technology makes regular pipe inspections challenging. The City continues to investigate available technologies.
• Several factors can lead to pipe failures. The City cannot guarantee our pipes will never fail. But the documented difference in pipe quality between the 1970s and 1980s gives us some indication that our pipes are a better quality.

For more information on water-related issues in southern Alberta water, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

The City of Lethbridge provides water services to municipalities in the surrounding region. This includes a lot of farmlands. And as the summer heat takes hold across southern Alberta, farmers keep a close eye on their crops. A wet start to the growing season helped offset lower irrigation allocations. But with hot, dry days in the forecast, irrigation demand is rising. In this week’s Water Wednesday, we explore water conservation’s role in crop management.

Let’s explore how water transports from irrigation districts to fields. The last few decades have seen significant advancements in this process. The most significant being a shift from open canals to pipelines.

“This limits leaching* and evaporation,” says Willemijn Appels, Senior Research Chair at Lethbridge College. “It also allows for better management, so they don’t spill as much at the end of the district. More and more, they are only taking the water out that is being delivered to the farm gate.”

(*Leaching: when water seeps into the canal bed and can’t be delivered to the farm or when too much irrigation causes water to drain into deeper soil layers where it can no longer be reached by crop roots.)

While some water is still lost along the way, Appels says the amount is much smaller compared to the 1970s and 1980s.

There have also been several upgrades in irrigation practices. Gone are the days when most farmers used wheelmove irrigation. Appels says more than 85 per cent of fields in the southern Alberta irrigation districts are now watered using low pressure centre pivots.

“Lower pressure sprinklers, and sprinklers closer to the ground, result in far less evaporation than sprinklers that toss water high up in the air,” says Appels.

Centre pivots also allow for more precise water application. Relocating a wheelmove system involved a lot of time and effort. Water was often applied to one piece of land, soaking it for several hours. Centre pivots are self-propelled and apply less water. This allows them to meet a crop’s water demand as it develops over time.

Drip and variable rate irrigation also increase water efficiency in agriculture.

Modern-day drip irrigation was developed in Israel in the 1960s. It places water straight onto, or even under, the soil surface. It is a popular option for vineyards, orchards and in vegetable production. It is not nearly as common on field crops.

“At the moment, less than one per cent of farmers in southern Alberta use that technology,” says Appels. “Implementing that on a very large scale, and figuring out how people could manage it cost-effectively, would be a game-changer.”

More recently, variable rate irrigation was first developed in the United States in the early 2000’s. Farmers can set pivots for different rates of water as the system moves around. If water pools in certain spots after rain, they can avoid irrigating that area and focus on areas that have less water in the root zone.

One challenge involved in all irrigation is mapping out soil moisture. Traditionally, farmers use an auger to grab a bit of soil and squeeze it. While soil moisture sensors have modernized that process, Appels notes there are limitations.

“If you have a quarter-section, then moisture might vary quite a bit more than your sensor’s one location. The challenge is mapping out where the moisture is and where your plants may have different needs.”

Adopting new technologies or processes takes time and effort. And in farming, time is a precious commodity. Research involving Lethbridge College and southern Alberta stakeholders looks to continue improving agricultural water management.

“We have a number of ongoing projects,” notes Appels. “They involve new and existing sensors, irrigation technology and models to improve the timing and precision of irrigation scheduling.”

To learn more about the City’s water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. The City of Lethbridge provides water services to municipalities in the surrounding region. This includes a lot of farmlands. Last week, we explored advancements and challenges in agricultural water conservation. This week, we narrow the focus to livestock producers. Besides the obvious environmental benefits, maximizing water efficiency can also help producers reduce costs, and improve animal health and productivity. We are borrowing the bulk of this information from an Agri-News article published in January of 2024.

According to Shawn Elgert, agricultural water engineer with the Government of Alberta, there are several ways livestock producers can conserve water for livestock.

1. Keep animals away from water sources.

“Things like feces, urine and pathogens can contaminate a water source,” explains Elgert. “That affects both the quality and quantity of water available.” Damage to water source banks and vegetation by livestock can also result in erosion and sedimentation. Some ways to prevent these issues include fencing off water sources and using troughs, tanks or pipelines for off-source watering systems.

2. Optimize dugout efficiency.

It’s important to avoid dugout water loss due to evaporation and seepage. That begins with location and size. Place dugouts where they can fill eight out of 10 years, and size them according to water demand, runoff potential and climate. “Use covers to minimize evaporation and curb algal growth,” advises Elgert. “Liners can also be used to prevent seepage.”

3. Choose nozzles wisely.

Using the right nozzle is important for efficient and effective cleaning tasks, like washing livestock, equipment and facilities. “Consider using a high-pressure nozzle to cut down on cleaning time and water usage,” offers Elgert. Rinsing large areas with a fan-shaped nozzle, as opposed to a jet-shaped nozzle, is another good way to maximize water efficiency.

4. Don’t overflow tanks.

Pay attention when manually filling water containers. Overfilling buckets, barrels or troughs not only wastes water, it can also damage both the container and surrounding area. Float valves are a great way to automatically stop water flow when a container is full.

5. Trap that cold, white stuff!

Pardon us for using the s-word… but snow fencing is a great winter water conservation tool. It creates a barrier and/or windbreak to reduce wind speed, controlling the movement and accumulation of snow. As Elgert notes, this is particularly relevant in southern Alberta. “It enhances water runoff into dugouts by capturing snow in catchment areas, facilitating snowmelt to replenish water supply. This is especially helpful in areas with low precipitation and high evaporation.”

Elgert notes there are several other ways to conserve water in a livestock operation:

• Use Best Management Practices (BMP) for water sources to help protect quality and quantity.
• Control flowing wells.
• Monitor for leaky pipelines.
• Use pasture pipelines from unused sources.

For more information on conserving water (and money!) in a livestock operation, read the full Agri-News article here.

To learn more about the City’s water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. This week, we are providing a watershed education. No matter where you live, you live in a watershed.

1. What is a watershed?

A watershed is the area of land where water flows downhill into a water body. It can be from rainfall or snowmelt, moving through soil, groundwater, creeks and rivers to larger bodies of water like oceans. Another common term for a watershed is a drainage basin.

2. What watershed is Lethbridge located in?

Lethbridge’s water comes from the Oldman watershed. It covers 23,000 square kilometres of land in southwestern Alberta. It also crosses the southern border, covering 2,100 square kilometres (or 810 square miles) in Montana. Approximately 210,000 residents live in the Oldman watershed. Lethbridge is the largest city located within it.

3. How is the Oldman watershed supplied?

Look to the mountains! The Rocky Mountains supply water to the headwaters of the Oldman River and its tributaries - the Crowsnest and Castle rivers, as well as Willow and Pincher creeks. In Montana, the Rockies feed the headwaters of the Belly, Waterton and St. Mary rivers. Water from the Oldman watershed eventually flows into the Hudson Bay.

4. Why is a healthy watershed important?

A healthy watershed provides several benefits. First and foremost, it acts as a filter. Pollutants and sediment are removed from the water supply, ensuring clean and reliable freshwater. A watershed also plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity.

“Watersheds encompass a range of ecosystems, like forests, grasslands and aquatic habitats,” says Shannon Frank, Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council. “They also allow for the movement of different species. The types and numbers of species in a watershed can tell us a lot about how healthy the ecosystem is.”

5. What is the Oldman Watershed Council?

The Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) is a community-driven non-for-profit organization focused on solving environmental challenges.

“We're working hard to create a sustainable future,” says Frank. “Our work includes finding innovative ways to manage our water and land, encouraging teamwork and long-term thinking. A collaborative effort can ensure we meet these challenges now and for many years to come.” The OWC website includes the history and future of the Oldman watershed, water management information, and kid-friendly educational games and videos.

To learn more about City of Lethbridge water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday.

Alberta is in the throes of another wildfire season. As of the morning of July 31, there were 114 active wildfires burning across the province, including 20 classified as ‘out of control.’. This week's Water Wednesday explores how wildfires impact water ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Drinking water can be affected both during and after a wildfire. The ash contains harmful nutrients and pollutants. Future rainfall carries these contaminants into reservoirs, which can impact water quality. According to Climate Atlas of Canada, the threat increases when a wildfire burns human-made materials. This was recently seen in Jasper, where a wildfire destroyed hundreds of buildings in the historic town. Ash from human made materials contains toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be difficult to identify in the water treatment process. Burned and damaged drinking water pipes can also lead to bacterial contamination.

Toxins found in wildfire ash can also impact non-drinking water. A 2021 Government of Alberta report found high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to more algae blooms in lakes and ponds. When people encounter water that has these algae, they might feel sick, vomit, or have trouble breathing. If consumed in large quantities, they can also be fatal for pets and livestock. Algal blooms in reservoirs can also impact water taste and odour.

Another significant impact of wildfires is water flow patterns. Plants absorb rainfall, storing the moisture within the soil. When vegetation burns, it reduces the ability to replenish groundwater and surface water sources. Wildfires also burn the topsoil, resulting in a hard packed and unabsorbent layer of soil that increases surface runoff. This leads to an increased risk of floods and decreased water quality.

This all begs the question: how do we balance wildfire mitigation and water conservation? It’s a challenging task.

Dense forests have a negative impact on water supply. The trees intercept rain and snow, meaning less moisture makes it to the ground. Controlled burns can manage tree density. This not only enhances watershed health - it can also help reduce wildfire intensity.

Experts would also like to see an increase of strategic monitoring. The monitoring can understand and predict how wildfires affect water quality. Every watershed is unique. Recognizing local factors that influence water quality after a fire can help in future planning.

To learn more about City of Lethbridge water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. The need to conserve water is highest during the dry, hot southern Alberta summer. But, not surprisingly, these are also the months when water usage spikes.

The increase begins in May, tops out in July and returns to average in September. (The summer peak sees usage double from 1.5 billion litres per month to more than 3 billion litres.) Does that mean water conservation efforts end when fall begins? Not at all - it’s a year-round effort! Let’s explore a few seasonal ways to reduce water wastage.

Fall (September 22 – December 21)

Shift watering habits! As temperatures drop, your lawn requires less water. Summertime lawns need anywhere between two-point-five to five centimetres of water per week. Come fall, that drops to five centimetres every few weeks. This is a great time to use any remaining rainwater stored in your rain barrel. If it rains or snows, don’t double up. And if the daytime high temperature is below freezing, avoid watering altogether. In terms of timing, target the morning hours. Evening watering can lead to fungal problems when the water isn’t absorbed in the cooler overnight temperatures.

Other fall conservation methods include:

• Drain irrigation system to avoid freezing.
• Clear gutters to prevent clogs that can impact water flow and irrigation.
• Apply a fresh layer of garden mulch to retain moisture and protect plant roots.

Winter (December 21 – March 20)

Protect your pipes! Most outdoor faucets have a dedicated shut-off valve inside a home. Turn off the valve, disconnect all hoses and drain the remaining water from the pipes. The pipes can be wrapped with either specialized wrapping or any form of insulating material. This helps avoid any freezing and/or bursting. If pipes do freeze, shut off the water supply to prevent excessive damage and water wastage. There are a few ways to thaw a frozen pipe, including a hair dryer or wrapping it in towels soaked in hot water.

Other winter conservation methods include:

• Don’t water indoor plants as often – they don’t need as much in the colder months.
• Have someone check on your home if you’re traveling.
• Be mindful of indoor water use, especially if you’re hosting family and friends over the holidays. (Run full loads of dishes and laundry, avoid lengthy showers, etc.) 

Spring (March 20 – June 20)

Plant with a purpose! There are several ways to prioritize water conservation in your garden setup. Choose plants that are well-adapted to southern Alberta’s climate. Once they’re established, they require minimal watering. Be sure to also group your plants according to their watering needs. This way, every plant receives only the amount of water it requires. As overnight temperatures increase, you can also reintroduce evening watering. Consider using drip irrigation or a soaker hose to increase watering efficiency.  

Other spring conservation methods include:

• Use rain barrels to capture and store rainwater for later use in gardens.
• Check all pipes and irrigation systems (including sprinkler heads) for leaks, clogs or other malfunctions.
• Add or replace mulch.

These seasonal approaches complement a multitude of other year-round water conservation practices. You can read about those efforts in previous Water Wednesday stories. To learn more about City of Lethbridge water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. Grown-ups bear the heaviest burden when it comes to the efficient use of water. But that doesn’t mean the younger generations don’t have significant roles to play. Teaching kids and youth the importance of water conservation can help protect our most critical natural resource.

Let’s explore ways to do exactly that!  

Shower tunes

As we learned way back in April, shortening our shower times is a great way to conserve water (and save money!) But how do we convince our kids to reduce time spent under that oh-so-enjoyable stream of hot water? By using the power of music!

Let’s say we’re aiming for a six-minute shower. Have your kids choose two of their favourite songs that total approximately six minutes. Challenge them to complete their shower before both songs have played. (As an extra hint: allowing them to play the songs LOUD can increase your chances of success here…)   

Family projects

Do you have some handy people at home? Grab a few materials (like a plastic garbage bin, silicone caulk, window screen mesh and a spigot) and build your very own rain barrel.

Does your family have a competitive streak? Have a ‘minimal water cookoff’. Challenge each other to see whose recipe is the biggest water-saver. (And no, microwave popcorn doesn’t count as a ‘recipe’.)

How green are your household thumbs? Plan and plant a water efficient garden. Each family member can choose a plant native to southern Alberta. Figure out the most efficient layout for the plants and watch your familial garden flourish!

Water diary

Writing things down is a great way to create accountability and commitment. Encourage each family member to track daily water use for a week. At the end of the week, use compare notes to explore ways to reduce household consumption. Hold each other accountable to your water goals and create family consumption habits. You can also tap back into the competitive spirit to see who can set and follow the most goals.

Surf’s Up

The internet is full of useful and entertaining resources to explore water conservation.

The Oldman Watershed Council website offers dozens of links to learning materials. You can find games, K-12 educational resources, activity kits and much more for kids of all ages.

The Water Brothers is an award-winning Canadian eco-documentary series featuring Alex and Tyler Mifflin. The brothers share a passion for water conservation. They travel around the world uncovering stories that emphasize the need to protect the vital resource.

Make your own water filter, learn why water rules or read about how the water you’re drinking might have come out of a dinosaur’s nose (yes, really!) at National Geographic Kids.

By mixing in fun and friendly competition, we can engage and educate young people in the ways of water conservation. After all, it’s their future we’re all working to sustain!

To learn more about City of Lethbridge water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Welcome back to Water Wednesday. Did you know we have aliens in Lethbridge? Aliens, also known as invasive species, are plants or animals not native to an area. They are introduced either by accident or on purpose.

Why are invasive species bad? Invasive species can disrupt land and water ecosystems, harming the environment. They are capable of outcompeting native plants and animals, essentially taking over. The result is less species diversity and lower health of our environment. Just 16 invasive species in Canada result in $13 billion to $35 billion in lost revenue every year.

I see gold in those ponds! 

One of these aliens is your household pet goldfish. Goldfish are native to Asia, not Canada. Here, they are great for swimming around the tank in your home. But if released to ponds or rivers, goldfish can cause severe damage to aquatic ecosystems. They reproduce quickly, outcompeting native species for food and reducing biodiversity. 

Goldfish can negatively impact water quality and increase algae blooms – no one likes dirty water! Removing goldfish from storm ponds or other aquatics ecosystems can be difficult, costly and further damage the environment.

Did you know - in 2022, the City removed more than 87,000 goldfish from Firelight Pond in west Lethbridge! This effort cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Watch for incoming aliens!

While not in Alberta yet, aquatic invasive species, like freshwater zebra and quagga mussels, are taking over some waterbodies in other parts of Canada. Alberta Fish and Wildlife is actively monitoring for them at the borders to keep these critters out. Don’t harbour these fugitives – it’s a hefty fine. Make sure you properly clean, drain, dry and inspect your boat when moving from one water body to another. We don’t want those aliens here!

How can you help?

Report invasive species to Alberta's invasive species hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628) or document the sighting at www.eddmaps.org. You can also visit the Alberta Invasive Species Council website to learn how to identify and minimize the spread of invasive species. We all play a part in protecting our environment. Help keep our water clean and free from invasive species.

To learn more about City of Lethbridge water conservation efforts, visit www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

Next week is the final story in our Water Wednesday series. We will recap some of the topics covered during the past 21 weeks. We will also update the current water situation in southern Alberta and provide conservation reminders for the months ahead!

Welcome to the final edition of Water Wednesday. During the past 21 weeks, we have dove into several topics. From conserving water (and money!) at home and work… to offering watershed and reservoir education… to answering common questions, we’ve covered a lot of ground. Our final story provides an update on the southern Alberta water situation and offers a few reminders for the months ahead.

Let’s start with a huge CONGRATULATIONS Lethbridge! The community’s water conservation efforts are resulting in a much better fall outlook than this time last year.

This summer has seen a 16 per cent decrease in water usage compared to summer 2023. Usage is also down nine per cent over the five-year average. Well done! Lethbridge is meeting our commitments to other major water users in the Oldman watershed as part of this year’s water sharing agreement. It also means Lethbridge has not activated the Water Rationing Action Plan. Voluntary restrictions remain in place. The community is asked to continue conserving water whenever possible.

The conservation efforts have extended to our neighbours in Lethbridge County. We’re grateful to farmers for making do with less irrigation this season. You may ask why irrigation pivots are still running in the fall, after harvest is complete. The main reason is for cold-tolerant crops like winter wheat. These fall-seeded crops need water to begin their growth. They go dormant in the winter, then resume growing in the spring. These are the first fields to go green in springtime. Speaking of next spring…   

Kathleen Sheppard, Executive Director of Environment Lethbridge, says home horticulturists should prepare now for 2025.

“Give your trees some extra water before the ground freezes,” suggests Sheppard. “This can help prepare them for spring, especially if we have a dry winter. Mulching the base of trees and shrubs will also help keep moisture in the ground.”

It’s also a good opportunity for green-thumbers to build a blueprint.

“This is a great time to start planning next year’s garden,” says Sheppard. “This is especially true if you want to add more native or drought-tolerant plants.”

The Oldman Watershed Council has a great list of plants. Local garden centres can also offer advice. You can find more fall and winter water tips in the August 7 Water Wednesday story.

Finally, let’s look at southern Alberta reservoir levels. As of August 27, the Oldman Reservoir was at 68 per cent capacity, below its normal range of between 77 and 87 per cent for this time of year. The St. Mary reservoir is 59 per cent full. Its normal range is between 60 and 84 per cent. And the Waterton reservoir is at the low end of its normal range: 69 per cent capacity. It’s usually between 69 and 85 per cent full at this time of year.

The City of Lethbridge will continue to update weekly reservoir levels at www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation. The site will also provide the latest news in local water conservation.

Thank you to our Water Wednesday followers. We hope this series provided you important information and education… and maybe even a few smiles along the way!