Strathcona County works collaboratively with its regional water partners to manage water resources, ensuring we all have the water supply we need. In the 1970s the Regional Water Customers Group was formed. The RWGC is a voluntary and informal association of rural and urban municipalities, water service commissions and other water utility systems that purchase wholesale water from EPCOR.

The RWCG includes

• Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission

• Capital Region Parkland Water Services Commission

• Capital Region Northeast Water Services Commission

• City of St. Albert

• Town of Morinville

• Sturgeon County

• Strathcona County

You can view the extent of the RWCG on the Regional Water Customer Group system map. (1.8 MB)

Water restrictions

Water restrictions occur for various reasons. Sometimes they are planned and allow for advance notification to residents. At other times, they are unexpected. There are times when RWCG members are required to temporarily reduce their non-essential water use, such as:

• during periods of hot, dry weather

• when demand for water exceeds available supply

• if there is construction on or isolation of a major water system component

• if there is an unexpected water emergency (i.e. water line break)

• there is a water quality emergency

Before a water restriction is implemented local municipalities have already reduced their own water use by by stopping activities such as:

• hydrant flushing

• sewer flushing, street cleaning

• fire fighting training

• fleet vehicle washing (including buses)

• outdoor rink flooding.

Who has to follow water restrictions?

Water restrictions apply to all customers, including residents, businesses and municipal operations. If we all do our part and follow the restrictions we can reduce the strain on our water system.

Levels of water restriction

There are four stages of water restrictions, based on the severity of the water shortage. The full list of water uses permitted at each stage is laid out in the chart, with a quick summary listed below.

Chart of water restiction levels

Stage 1

Municipal operations begin water conservation. Residents and commercial companies asked to reduce their non-essential use.

Stage 2

Residents and commercial companies required to reduce all non-essential water use, and limit outdoor water. Ban on municipal operations.

• Outdoor Watering (lawns, gardens, trees) is limited to 1/2 hour max 1 day a week outside of peak hours

• No washing cars, houses, or sidewalks

• No filling pools, hot tubs or private outdoor rinks

• No sprinklers or water toys

• No water use for construction

• Only run full loads in the dishwasher or laundry

Stage 3

Residents and commercial companies restricted to essential water use only; drinking, cooking and firefighting, and outdoor water use is prohibited. Ban on municipal operations.

• No lawn watering

• Limited watering for vegetable gardens and new sod

• No washing cars, houses, or sidewalks

• No filling pools, hot tubs or private outdoor rinks

• No sprinklers or water toys

• No water use for construction

• Try to postpone dishes and laundry until after the restriction is lifted or only run full loads

Stage 4

Residents and commercial companies restricted to essential water use only; drinking, cooking, and firefighting. Restrictions to be enforced. Ban on municipal operations.

• No outdoor watering

• Washing cars, houses, sidewalks is prohibited

• Filling pools, hot tubs or private outdoor rinks is prohibited

• Sprinklers and water toys are prohibited

• Water use for construction is prohibited

• Postpone dishes and laundry until after the restriction is lifted

Enforcement

Water restrictions are governed and enforced under each municipalities' Bylaws.