Dry weather leads to low water levels near Edmonton, residents asked to conserve

Businesses and people living west of Edmonton are being asked to limit water use amid hot, dry weather.

The City of St. Albert, Alta., asked residents and business owners to conserve water Monday.

The three reservoirs that store water for community use and fire protection are at “near critical” levels, according to the city.

“The weather forecasts are expecting rain on Wednesday, but we need to prepare for the possibility that the hot, dry weather will continue,” said the city.

The city asked residents to consider the following to help conserve water:

• Using water from rain barrels for outdoor watering
• Reducing use, especially during peak demand times of 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
• Not watering lawns and plants and delaying filling pools and hot tubs
• If watering must be done, either use timers to water overnight or use a hose with a shut-off nozzle during the coolest part of the day, and make sure the sprinklers aren’t wasting water by watering driveways and sidewalks

There are not water restrictions in place at this time and the actions are voluntary.

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City crews have already discontinued non-essential water use like filling pools, street sweeping, firefighter training, washing city-owned vehicles and hydrant flushing, according to a news release Monday.

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Additionally, the Versailles Park Splash Pad is closed as the park operates on a non-recirculating water system, the city said, adding it will provide an update when it can be reopened.

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Meanwhile, the nearby City of Spruce Grove said it was ceasing use of potable water for municipal operations starting Monday.

The city said the splash pads at Central Park and Fuhr Sports Park would be closed immediately, while the spray park in Jubilee Park is closed for repairs that are expected to be complete by Friday.

At this time, residents of Spruce Grove are not being told to limit water use, but the city said “the community is always encouraged to monitor their water usage and follow good conservation practices.”