UPDATE: Non-essential water ban still in place in Strathcona County

WATCH ABOVE: Strathcona County is banning all non-essential water use for a couple of days. Fletcher Kent explains why.

EDMONTON — Strathcona County said its reservoirs are at acceptable levels after the first 24 hours of a water ban that went into effect on Tuesday. However, the county said water consumption during the early evening of April 14 was not as low as it could have been.

“We had hoped to see less water usage during the usual suppertime rush. However, it was enough that we are on track with reservoir levels,” says Jeff Hutton, Director of Utilities. “We thank residents and businesses for their conservation efforts so far, and ask them to continue to conserve.”

The ban on non-essential water use remains in place on Wednesday. The ban was needed in order to modify a portion of the main water supply line into Sherwood Park to accommodate upgrades to the Anthony Henday project.

The ban applies to residents of Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Josephburg, Half Moon Lake, Collingwood Cove, Antler Lake and Fultonvale. Those who live in nearby country areas must also reduce their water use, the county said last week.

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For the duration of the ban, residents are required to use a little water as possible. Strathcona County officials have provided the following suggestions:

• Take very short showers (Five minutes or less)
• Flush toilets only when necessary
• Postpone laundry and dish washing
• Wait to fill hot tubs, pools or large aquariums

“To ensure we have enough water in our reservoirs for drinking, cooking, and critical activities like firefighting, we need to reduce our water use to extend our supply,” said Hutton said last week. “Residents can also help us out by sharing this information with family and friends.”

All outdoor water use is prohibited during the ban. The county says residents may notice fluctuating water pressure during the construction.

The county said the work requiring the ban was scheduled for April, as the high-water demand period begins after the May long weekend.

For more information on the water ban residents cal call 780-417-2398 24 hours a day, or visit the county’s website, Facebook page or Twitter account.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first published on Friday, April 10, and updated on Wednesday, April 15.