Mandatory non-essential water ban issued for Canmore area

The hot weather around southern Alberta has not only increased fire danger ratings, it’s also affecting water levels around Canmore.

Levels in the reservoir that supplies the community with its drinking water have dropped to below 50 per cent.

This is prompting the town to institute a mandatory ban on all non-essential water use for Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Deadman’s Flats.

That means watering the lawn or garden is not allowed. People are also being asked to stop washing their cars, spraying down sidewalks, and even doing laundry.

“Facilities that must use water to meet health code standards, such as hospitals and other health care providers and restaurants, are exempt from these measures,” the town writes in an advisory online.

“Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life sustaining for people, animals and plants, such as greenhouses or food manufacturers, are also exempt.”

Indoor recreation facilities are not affected by the ban.

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Water use is allowed for things like drinking, cooking, and personal cleaning. However, the town is asking people to “take short showers instead of baths, hand wash dishes, reduce frequency of toilet flushing, and turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.”

The town says EPCOR is asking for water use to be reduced until levels at the Peaks of Grassi reservoir “are above at least 60 per cent.” The ban is in place until at least Monday.

Locals are being told that tap water remains safe to drink and use, though some people may notice cloudiness as sediment is stirred up.

The Town of Canmore says people who fail to follow the measures will first get a warning. If they do not cooperate, the town says “water service could be disconnected.”

Anyone with questions about the ban can contact EPCOR at 403-609-6400.