Water outages, bans and water restrictions occur for various reasons. Sometimes they are planned and allow for advance notification to residents. At other times, they are unexpected. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Strathcona County Alerts (SC Alerts) for notification on water outages, bans and restrictions via strathcona.ca/scalerts.
You can view all current and planned water outages in Strathcona County on our water outage map.
During a water restriction, residents are asked to reduce their non-essential water use.
You can reduce your non-essential water use by:
During a water ban, residents are asked to discontinue all non-essential water use, and all outdoor water use is prohibited.
During water bans and restrictions Strathcona County also takes steps to reduce our own water use by stopping:
Water restrictions and bans can occur:
A water ban could be put in place if:
Strathcona County also manages water amounts to make sure there is sufficient water storage for firefighting.
The County provides advance notice to residents prior to planned activities that may impact the water supply. Sometimes, there are unplanned events that require an immediate restriction or ban. In these instances, we alert the community as immediately as possible.
During some water shortage events, it may be necessary to close truck fills. When it comes to stretching the water supply, every bit counts. Truck fill customers can make a significant contribution during a water shortage.
We encourage residents who are reliant on truck fills to avoid running on empty. Although restrictions are infrequent there are a variety of factors including weather which may trigger water demand management.
In some cases, truck fill customers can also reduce demand on the system by getting their water supply from an alternative location within the regional water supply system that is not under duress. Residents can set up an account at an alternate location, in preparedness for water shortages.
Sign up for the truck fill email to be kept informed of updates and service disruptions.
Yes. Strathcona County is part of a large regional network of water pipes with other communities in the capital region. We all work together to make sure our water is managed in an effective and responsible way.
Often during periods of hot, dry weather, County departments have already discontinued certain activities like firefighting training, street sweeping, hydrant flushing, park watering and closing most spray parks. These are important, but can often be postponed until water supply conditions improve.
When a Strathcona County water restriction is announced, the use of non-essential water needs to be reduced. The RE/MAX Spray Park and Playground in Broadmoor Lake Park and the ArrKann Spray Park in Ardrossan Regional Park will remain open as the water recirculates, however all other spray decks where the water fully drains will be closed.
When a Strathcona County water ban is announced, the use of non-essential water needs to be discontinued, and all outdoor water use is prohibited. All spray decks and spray parks will be closed, including the RE/MAX Spray Park and Playground in Broadmoor Lake Park and the ArrKann Spray Park in Ardrossan Regional Park.
During a water restriction or ban, notifications will be posted on our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. If possible, road signs will also be posted around the County letting you know about water restrictions and bans. Keep an eye out for them and know what you can and cannot do during these periods.
As part of emergency preparedness, residents are encouraged to sign up for SC Alerts to receive updates in case of serious water disruptions or other emergency events that may affect Strathcona County residents. Make sure to sign up for water ban and restriction notices.
Sign up for SC alerts
Utilities Phone: 780-467-7785 Email: scutilities@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Friday, July 25, 2025 Page ID: 38821