Water restrictions and bans

Map of current water outages

You can view all current and planned water outages in Strathcona County on our water outage map.

What to do

During a water restriction, residents are asked to reduce their non-essential water use.

During a water ban, residents are asked to discontinue all non-essential water use, and all outdoor water use is prohibited.

You can reduce your non-essential water use by:

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

Why they happen

Water restrictions and bans can occur:

during periods of hot, dry weather
if there is construction on water pipes and facilities
if there is an unexpected water emergency (i.e. water pipe break, etc.)

A water ban could be put in place if:

there is an unexpected emergency with a major water system component resulting in a sudden shortage of water supply
there is planned construction on a major water system component
the demand for water exceeds availability after water restriction has been in place
storage reservoirs need time to replenish
there is a water quality emergency

If you notice someone using a lot of water during a ban, you may want to make them aware of the ban or call 780-467-7785 to report violations.

It is important to note that Strathcona County also manages water amounts to make sure there is sufficient water storage for firefighting.

Frequently asked questions

1. How much notification is provided prior to a water restriction or ban?
Permanent link to How much notification is provided prior to a water restriction or ban?
How much notification is provided prior to a water restriction or ban?

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.
2. Why does the County sometimes close truck fills during water shortages?
Permanent link to Why does the County sometimes close truck fills during water shortages?
Why does the County sometimes close truck fills during water shortages?

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.
3. Is there a plan in place for water shortages?
Permanent link to Is there a plan in place for water shortages?
Is there a plan in place for water shortages?

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.
4. How does a water restriction impact spray decks and spray parks?
Permanent link to How does a water restriction impact spray decks and spray parks?
How does a water restriction impact spray decks and spray parks?

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.
5. How does a water ban impact spray decks and spray parks?
Permanent link to How does a water ban impact spray decks and spray parks?
How does a water ban impact spray decks and spray parks?

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.

Get notifications

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.

Utilities
Phone: 780-467-7785
Email: scutilities@strathcona.ca

Water restrictions and bans

Map of current water outages

What to do

Why they happen

Frequently asked questions

1. How much notification is provided prior to a water restriction or ban?

2. Why does the County sometimes close truck fills during water shortages?

3. Is there a plan in place for water shortages?

4. How does a water restriction impact spray decks and spray parks?

5. How does a water ban impact spray decks and spray parks?

Get notifications

Related pages

Strathcona County Alert System

Are you prepared for 72 hours?

Lawn watering

Related topics

Indoor water saving tips

Outdoor water saving tips

Other links