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City of Camrose . . . 14 to
City advises use water sparingly
By Lori Larsen
The recent bout of extreme heat makes us all appreciate the value of water, as was apparent by the sudden increased sales in kiddie pools. However, the City of Camrose would like to remind residents to be extra vigilant with their usage of water.
According to City of Camrose Engineering Services manager Jeremy Enarson, City Council has adopted a Water Shortage Response Plan for the City, which outlines the steps that the City would take to address short-term or longterm water shortages.
“The City of Camrose continues to monitor the amount of available water within Driedmeat Lake, as well as the flow in the Battle River,” explained Enarson. “Based on current conditions, there is no long-term risk of water shortages at this time (i.e. the lake is still full and overflowing, the flow in the river is declining, but not at critical levels yet).”
Enarson further explained that given last week’s heat wave, the City has identified the possibility of a short-term water shortage.
“The City’s water treatment plant is currently producing water at a rate of 129 litres per second (about 9.88 million litres per day, as of July 1). This is the most water that our WTP has ever produced in a single day since the plant was built in 1988. Fortunately, the water treatment plant is still keeping up with demands. However, all it would take is an increase in consumption or a mechanical issue at the plant or at one of the pumping stations, and we would be facing the need to impose mandatory water restrictions.”
In response to that feasibility, the City has started to restrict nonessential potable water use in its municipal operations including: • Only watering lawns and sports fields during the early morning hours. • Delaying nonessential water main flushing until after the heat wave. • Flushing of sewer pipes using recycled “nonpotable” water from the
City’s water treatment plant. • Watering of trees and flowerbeds using the same non-potable water from the WTP. • The Camrose Fire
Department has adjusted their weekly training schedule to include only
“dry” training activities.
Other municipal programs will continue for the time being, including the operation of the outdoor spray park, and any essential utility work such as hydrant maintenance.
“The City decided to not impose mandatory water restrictions on its residents and businesses at this time, as the current heat wave should be done by early next week,” reported Enarson. “We would still encourage residents and businesses to be wise with their indoor and outdoor water use.”
Recent rain and cooler temperatures did provide some relief but warmer temperatures are forecasted for later this week.
The following are a few tips on how to conserve water: • Avoid watering your lawn. • Only water plants in the coolest part of the day (early morning, late evening) to minimize evaporation. • Turn off taps while washing hands or dishes,
shaving, brushing teeth and cleaning vegetables. • Keep showers short. • Only operate your washing machine and dish washer when completely full. • Ensure taps, including outdoor taps, are turned off completely. • Ensure your toilet does not continue to run after flushes. • Check plumbing fixtures for leaks or drips. • Install water-saving toilets, shower heads and appliances. • Keep a large bottle of water in your refrigerator. • Invest in a kiddie pool to cool off children and pets instead of running the sprinkler, and place the pool in a shady area. • Use a commercial car wash business as opposed to washing your vehicles at home with a hose.
Water is a valuable commodity and should be treated as such so we can avoid water restrictions or worse, water shortage.
CITY PAGE
Stage One of the Water Shortage Response Plan
encourages VOLUNTARY Water Conservation.
One third of the world’s population experiences water shortages. We could be next.
Conserve our water before it’s too late. That means…
• Leaving the tap OFF when you brush your teeth. • FIXING leaky pipes that would waste over 200L per day. • Not OVERWATERING your lawn. • Conscious thinking about water usage For more information about water conservation, please visit:
