Water restriction in place

Effective immediately, Strathcona County is asking residents to reduce water consumption, and reduce non-essential water use. The restriction is a precaution to keep water stored in our reservoirs at acceptable levels for critical activities such as firefighting, drinking and cooking.  

The restriction applies to residents in Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Josephburg, Half Moon Lake, Collingwood Cove, Antler Lake, and Fultonvale. Josephburg Co-op customers, country residential areas and residents who get water from truck fills are also asked to reduce their water use.

With hot temperatures and the lack of rain, the regional water system is below normal levels. The restriction is required to ensure neighbouring communities and our own are able to keep up with demand.

“Residents can make a big difference by restricting water use,” says Strathcona County water and wastewater manager Tammy Lockhart. “All water conservation measures will help decrease the demand on the water system, especially during those peak water consumption periods from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.”

Resident water restrictions
Until further notice, residents are asked to reduce or postpone all non-essential water use. Activities include:

• not watering lawns, trees and gardens
• taking short five-minute showers
• not washing vehicles, driveways and house exteriors
• postponing laundry and dish washing
• waiting to fill hot tubs, pools or large aquariums
• turning off taps while shaving and brushing your teeth
• flushing toilets only when necessary

Strathcona County operational water restrictions
Effective today, the spray parks at Clover Bar Ranch, Brentwood, Granville, Kinsmen/Westboro and Woodbridge will be closed.

The RE/MAX spray park in Broadmoor Lake Park and ArrKann Spray Park in Ardrossan Regional Park will remain open as they use recirculated water. The hours have now been extended from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. NOTE: these spray parks will be closed if a full water ban is required.

Park watering trucks using non-potable water will continue to operate.

Strathcona County has discontinued the use of potable water for non-essential work such hydrant flushing, vehicle fleet washing and park watering.

Municipalities in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region work together to manage water resources. Forecasts show that over the next several days municipalities’ reservoir levels will be below desirable levels.

If residents see someone using a lot of water, they are encouraged to let the water user know about the water restriction, or if necessary, call Utilities 780-467-7785. As the heat wave continues, residents are reminded to look out for each other during this extreme weather. For more information on available community supports, visit strathcona.ca/heatwave.

Updates on the water restriction will be available on our website at strathcona.ca/waterrestriction; Facebook (facebook.com/strathcona.county) and Twitter (@StrathcoCounty). Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Strathcona County Alerts (SC Alerts) for notification on water bans and restrictions via strathcona.ca/scalerts.

A water restriction requires reduction of non-essential water use. It differs from a water ban, which prohibits all non-essential water use.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595