Residents, businesses could yet be hit with water rationing
By Lethbridge Herald on August 1, 2024.
Herald photo by Al Beeber
The sun is seen rising through smoke above the University of Lethbridge stadium recently.Delon Shurtz
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
With prolonged hot, dry weather across the province, Albertans primarily have three things on their minds; fire, air quality and drought.
So far the City of Lethbridge hasn’t implemented water restrictions, and is only relying on voluntary water conservation by residents and businesses. Should dry conditions persist, however, the City could implement its water rationing action plan that includes multiple stages based on specific triggers and can levy fines for violations.
And while a fire ban is in effect in the river valley, prohibiting open fires, backyard fires are still permitted.
Air quality is also relatively good in the area, despite fires burning inside and outside the province. As of Wednesday, the air quality in Lethbridge was two out of 10, which is considered a low health risk, and it’s expected to remain at two today, according to the air quality health index.
For the at-risk population – children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease – an index of four to six is considered a moderate risk, and people should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities.
Seven to 10 poses a high health risk and strenuous outdoor activities should be reduced or avoided. An index rating over 10 is considered a very high risk, and people should avoid outdoor physical exertion.
For the general population, avoiding outdoor activities are only recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Although the city hasn’t implemented water restrictions, it continues to monitor factors that could contribute to any future restrictions, such as reservoir levels, mountain snowpack measurements, the water supply outlook and the discretion of the city’s engineer.
On April 19, the province announced voluntary water-sharing agreements (WSA). Major water license holders in southern Alberta, including the City of Lethbridge, agree to cut water use during severe droughts. Lethbridge’s WSA is with the City of Medicine Hat, Lethbridge County and the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. Once activated, it’s anticipated the WSA will move Lethbridge to Stage 1 of its water rationing action plan.
Stage 1 introduces a demand water reduction target of five per cent, and may include a violation charge of $100 for residential and $500 for industrial, commercial and institutional. Stages two to four introduce higher water reduction targets and higher fines.
The city also monitors water levels in reservoirs feeding the Oldman River, and as of last Monday the storage in the Oldman Reservoir was at 81 per cent. Normal for this time of year is 88 to 97 per cent. The level in the St. Mary Reservoir, which is normally between 81 and 94 per cent of capacity, is at about 80 per cent.
The Waterton Reservoir is so far bucking the trend toward lower-than-normal water levels. As of Monday storage was sitting at 90 per cent, compared to normal levels between 80 and 93 per cent.
According to the city’s website, voluntary water rationing now could help prevent the need for mandatory restrictions.
“At this time, we are not enacting the water rationing action plan,” Mark Svenson, manager of engineering and environment, says on the website. “We ask that everyone continue to look for ways to voluntarily conserve water in their homes and businesses. We thank the community for continuing voluntary conservation measures. We are monitoring the situation and will respond with mandatory measures if needed.”
Residents, businesses and institutions are asked to take whatever actions they can – big or small – to conserve water, such as limiting all outdoor uses, including watering lawns and washing cars; not letting the tap run unnecessarily; reusing water where possible; minimizing shower time and bath levels; using the washer and dishwasher only when necessary; and flushing toilets only when necessary.
While the water conservation effort is in effect, the City of Lethbridge is rationing water usage by, among other things, not washing city vehicles, unless necessary for safety reasons; reducing watering in feature parks, sports fields and schools by 25 per cent; and reducing watering in other parks and boulevards by 50 per cent.
18-17
The Lethbridge Country Club has been a community leader in this area all summer. Reducing irrigation water usage by 50% even though they have their own water license allowing them full access. A nice positive story, proving it’s not all doom and gloom.