Lethbridge unveils proposed water conservation plan

Lethbridge, Alta.

With water levels in the Oldman River Reservoir at just over 30 percent and what is expected to be another drought-like summer, the City of Lethbridge is scrambling to take steps before things get worse.

The Oldman River reservoir is at 70 percent of normal for this time of year.

A new water conservation policy presented to the Economic Stability Policy Committee on Thursday calls for voluntary programs to help increase urban water demand and reduce water use by 20 percent by 2030.

In a three-tiered policy, the first step includes education and awareness programs focused on best practices, interactive tools to encourage water conservation, and conservation promotion activities.

Voluntary measures include meeting a 20 percent reduction target, identifying leaky faucets and toilets, and replacing old fixtures with water-efficient ones.

The policy also includes economic programs such as raising water rates.

Residents who use more water will pay a higher rate. The tariffs are designed to minimize the financial impact on average consumers.

Scales also provide choice in summer watering practices. Efficient use of water leads to lower bills.

The proposed rate changes will not affect 74 percent of current residents. Price changes are also proposed for the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector. The changes will not affect more than 90 percent of current ICI users.

The third part of the policy focuses on regulations, introduces a new water rationing plan and covers four phases. The plan is used when measures need to be taken to reduce water use when supplies are low.

The first phase includes washing outside the car wash, washing external surfaces and filling private underground or portable basins of more than 3000 liters, including the external water ratio.

Residents are allowed to water for up to two hours on designated days between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM.

The second phase begins with the first phase, limiting watering of new lawns, trees and shrubs, except those planted less than 10 days ago.

Phase three prohibits filling pools, ponds and hot tubs, along with the use of sprinkler irrigation. Only hand watering is allowed.

If stage four is reached, all external irrigation, including construction projects, will be banned.

By July 2023, Lethbridge's water use would have drained Henderson Lake about five times, according to the city.

The city says it's doing its part by installing water-saving fixtures in public buildings and centralizing irrigation control.

There are currently no water restrictions for Lethbridge.

The proposed policy will go before the City Council in the coming months.