As Edmonton-area temperatures flirt with all-time records due to an early summer heat wave, people in parts of Alberta’s capital and some of its surrounding communities are being asked to reduce their water use.
While the City of Edmonton had not formally called for people to cut back on non-essential water use as of late Monday afternoon, the utility-provider EPCOR called on residents in the southeast part of the city to do so.
“Due to a combination of the increasingly hot temperatures and limitations with pumping systems, customers may be experiencing water pressure issues in some areas of the city,” EPCOR said.
“To help manage water pressures, we are asking the public located from Whitemud Drive and south, and from Calgary Trail to the east end boundary to eliminate any non-essential water use between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.”
EPCOR said it was calling on people to stop doing things like watering lawns, washing cars or filling hot tubs or swimming pools.
However, EPCOR added that “customers should not be concerned about the overall supply or quality of the drinking water in the city.”
“EPCOR continues to apply all of its technology and resources to ensuring water quality remains safe,” the company said.
The City of Leduc said Monday it had “entered into a water demand advisory “at the request of the Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission (CRSWSC).”
The city said the move effectively brings in a ban on non-essential potable water use for the municipality’s operations, as well as a voluntary water restriction for the general public.
The City of Fort Saskatchewan said Monday it would temporarily cease all non-essential water use by suspending hydrant flushing, the use of irrigation sprinklers, sewer flushing, firefighting training, and the washing of city vehicles.
Similar steps were announced by Parkland County, the City of Spruce Grove and the City of St. Albert.
Officials in Strathcona County announced Monday afternoon they were bringing in a “water restriction” that calls for residents to only use the resource for essential purposes.
“A water restriction requires reduction of non-essential water use,” the county said in a news release. “It differs from a water ban, which prohibits all non-essential water use.”
The county said the move is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining acceptable levels in its reservoirs and ensuring there is no shortage of water for drinking, cooking and firefighting.
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The water restriction specifically affects Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Josephburg, Half Moon Lake, Collingwood Cove, Antler Lake and Fultonvale.
“Josephburg Co-op customers, country residential areas and residents who get water from truck-fills are also asked to reduce their water use,” the county said.
“With hot temperatures and the lack of rain, the regional water system is below normal levels.
“The restriction is required to ensure neighbouring communities and our own are able to keep up with demand.”
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Until the restriction is lifted, people are asked to reduce or suspend all non-essential water use for things like watering lawns, long showers, washing cars or driveways, washing clothes or dishes and filling pools or hot tubs.
“Residents can make a big difference by restricting water use,” said Strathcona County water and wastewater manager Tammy Lockhart.
“All water conservation measures will help decrease the demand on the water system, especially during those peak water consumption periods from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.”
Watch below: Some Global News videos about the ongoing heat wave in Western Canada.
The county is also closing a number of spray parks in Sherwood Park on Monday in an effort to conserve water.
“The RE/MAX spray park in Broadmoor Lake Park and ArrKann Spray Park in Ardrossan Regional Park will remain open as they use recirculated water,” the county noted, however. “The hours have now been extended from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
The county added it is suspending the use of potable water for a number of municipal tasks but noted that park-watering trucks that use non-potable water will continue to operate amid the restriction.
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“If residents see someone using a lot of water, they are encouraged to let the water user know about the water restriction, or, if necessary, call utilities (at) 780-467-7785,” the county said.
“As the heat wave continues, residents are reminded to look out for each other during this extreme weather.”
On Tuesday, Beaumont issued a mandatory ban on all non-essential water use until further notice.
Due to the extreme heat and high water consumption, officials said the reservoirs that serve the city are not able to refill quickly enough to maintain normal water levels.
Residents are not allowed to water their lawns for the next three days. Starting on July 2, the city said it may put in place an odd/even watering day schedule based on people’s addresses. Residents are also being asked not to wash their vehicles, homes or driveways, as well as hold off on filling pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis.
As a result, the city has temporarily suspended operations of the Four Seasons Spray Park.
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