Strathmore is under a stage 1 water restriction due to the emergency situation in Calgary

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Waterline Break in Calgary

(Photo courtesy of City of Calgary |  Taken in Bowness)

July 18, 2024 - Water Restriction Update

Oh, we’re moving on down! Stage two outdoor water restrictions are now in place.💧

Calgary has turned on an additional pump at Bearspaw, increasing the flow of water through the feeder main, and continues to monitor the water pipe and transmission system.

What does that mean for us? Well, Strathmore has been able to downgrade our restrictions from level three to level two.

This means we're now able to:

• Water using a hose and nozzle.

• Use a sprinkler for up to an hour a week on a set schedule.

Please visit https://strathmore.ca/en/residents/water-conservation.aspx

July 7, 2024 - Water Restriction Update

Oh, we’re moving on down! Stage three outdoor water restrictions are now in place. 💧

Calgary’s water main repairs continue to progress.

What does that mean for you? Well, Strathmore has been able to downgrade our restrictions from level four to level three.

This means that you are now able to:

• Hand water your gardens, trees, and shrubs
• Hand water new grass
• Use water for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control

**NEW** (July 11, 2024)
Exemptions to help you stay cool:

  • Splash Park is open under regular operating hours

  • You can now fill all outdoor pools – this includes private residential backyard and kiddie pools

Please note, hand watering means using a watering can, bucket, or something equivalent. Do not use a garden hose.

Furthermore, we are happy to report that our Bulk Water Station and the Lions Splash Park will be opened today!

 

JUNE 6, 2024 | Strathmore is under a stage 4 outdoor water restriction due to an emergency watermain break in Calgary.

Calgary has notified their neighboring communities, including Strathmore, of a water main break affecting water supply. They’ve implemented Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and since Strathmore’s water supply comes from Calgary, the Town is doing the same.

The duration of these restrictions is not yet known, please follow the Town’s Facebook page and check back here for further updates.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions require all outdoor water use to cease with the exception of life sustaining uses, such as livestock, or businesses which must use water to meet health standards, such as hospitals and restaurants.

At this time, DO NOT:

💧Water lawns, gardens, and shrubs by any method.
💧Wash exterior surfaces unless necessary for health or safety reasons.
💧Wash cars on driveways or streets.
💧Fill hot tubs, pools, or decorative features.
💧Use water for grading, compaction, or dust control.

Voluntary Indoor Water Restrictions:

There are no boil water advisories in effect within the Town of Strathmore and water remains safe to drink. To conserve water while our neighbour repairs their water main, we’re also asking all residents to voluntarily limit their indoor water use. Things like:

💧Delay using their dishwasher and washing machine.
💧Limit shower times and keeping baths shallow.
💧Turn off humidifiers and ice machines.
💧Turn off water tap when not in use.

You can learn more about Strathmore's water restrictions, here: https://strathmore.ca/.../water-conservation-2024.aspx

Again, there are no boil water advisories in effect within the Town of Strathmore and water remains safe to drink.

Rec Facility Updates:
  • Strathmore Aquatic Centre (lap pool, hot tub, and waterslide re-open)
  • Strathmore Family Centre Arena (regular hours)
  • Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre (regular hours)

 

FAQ (June 27, 2024)

On the evening of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, an extensive water main break occurred in the community of Bowness in Calgary. This was a significant break on a critical water main that moves water across the city.

Why are there water restrictions in Strathmore? 

On the evening of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, an extensive water main break occurred in the community of Bowness in Calgary. This was a significant break on a critical water main that moves water across the city. On the morning of June 15,
2024, Calgary declared a state of local emergency (SOLE).
What is a SOLE?

Section 21(1) of the Provincial Emergency Management Act empowers municipalities to declare a state of local emergency. Declaring a SOLE provides municipalities with additional tools within their municipal boundaries that are normally unavailable or limited under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and enables more coordination of action.

Calgary has declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) due to the repair timeline being extended by three to five weeks after finding an additional five areas in need of repair, further constraining water supply. The SOLE will give the City of Calgary additional powers, such as the ability to enter private property, remove of trees, and activate emergency plans and programs.

Please note, Strathmore is NOT in a SOLE at this time.
Why are there water restrictions in Strathmore?

Calgary has notified their neighbouring communities, including Strathmore, of a water main break affecting water supply. They’ve implemented Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and since Strathmore’s water supply comes from Calgary, the Town is doing the same.
Why don't we have our own water treatment plant in Strathmore?

Municipal wastewater and stormwater management is regulated by the Province, which takes a comprehensive approach to municipal wastewater management. There are many benefits to the Town receiving water from Calgary through the East Calgary Regional Waterline (ECRWL). These benefits include: security of supply for potable water, consistency of quality, reduced capital and operating cost for the water supply treatment, and the alignment with water conservation programs and targets.
 What does Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions mean?
Residents are asked to immediately stop outdoor water usage. All outdoor water use is temporarily banned, and indoor water conservation is strongly encouraged.
 How long will the restrictions be in place?
The duration of these restrictions is not yet known. More information will be provided as soon as we receive it.
 Is indoor water use restricted?
To help do our part, we encourage all residents to voluntarily decrease indoor water usage.
Why must I continue to pay a water distribution fee if water access is limited?

While water access may be limited at this time, it’s important to note that residents and businesses continue to have access to water. We encourage indoor conservation efforts, but they are voluntary at this stage. Distribution fees are necessary for pipeline maintenance, an activity currently underway in Calgary.
 Is there a boiling water advisory?
There are no boil water advisories in effect within the Town of Strathmore and water remains safe to drink.
 How can I help?
 Here are some examples of ways you can pitch-in through indoor water conservation:
• Use dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads.
• Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Limit showers to five minutes or less and keeping baths shallow.
• Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing food off.
• Turn off humidifiers and ice machines, delay washing vehicles,
• Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to reduce water use.
• Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life sustaining for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.
 Where can I find a rain barrel?
 The Town of Strathmore does NOT currently have a rain barrel program or offer rain barrels. Rain barrels can be purchased at retailers, including our local Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, and Peavy Mart. Or, if you're feeling particularly crafty, try making one yourself!
Why can the Town continue watering plants and flowers when I can't?
The Town uses rain and/or non-potable water for watering the public’s plants and flowers. These water sources do not draw from the potable water we access from Calgary.
Why can't I have stormwater to use?

Strathmore’s storm ponds and dry ponds are integral parts of the storm sewer infrastructure that help to control flooding. They protect you, your property, and your neighbourhood.

Storm ponds also capture sediment, pollutants, and contaminants collected as water travels across properties, streets, and roads. These contaminants include pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, animal waste sediment, and bacteria. For this reason, water from the storm ponds is not safe for consumption or usage on lawns and gardens.
Why can't I access water from the canals?
Water in canals is owned and distributed by the Western Irrigation District (WID) through water licensing agreements. With the potential drought and existing water license agreements, 90% of water owned by WID is allocated to irrigation usage.
What's the difference between potable and non-potable water?

• Potable Water refers to water that is safe for human consumption (drinking, bathing, etc.).
• Non-potable Water refers to water that is not safe for human consumption but may be used for irrigation and other non-drinking purposes. This water is NOT safe for human consumption because of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminates that could adversely affect your health.


Other terms that you may hear during the next few weeks include:
• Clean Water refers to treated and purified water suitable for human consumption.
• Grey Water refers to water already used domestically, commercially, and industrially (that is not contaminated with toxic chemicals). Examples include leftover, untreated water from washing machines, bathtubs, and sinks. This water may provide important nutrients for your plants.
• Black Water refers to contaminated with toxic chemicals that should not be consumed or reused.
 Is there a fire ban?
There is currently no fire ban. Strathmore’s fire suppression capabilities remain unaffected. However, the Town Fire Department has provisions in place for the use of non-potable water, in the event that the fire hydrants become unusable.
 Are any Town facilities affected?
To support outdoor water restrictions and voluntary indoor water restrictions, the Strathmore Aquatic Centre is closed until further notice. The Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre and the Strathmore Family Centre Arena will maintain regular operating hours, but showers are closed.
Why are some of the high-water usage businesses still open (e.g., the garden centre and car washes)?
Stage four water restrictions apply to outdoor watering only; there are no commercial restrictions. However, all residents and businesses have been asked to reduce water use where possible. We are proud to share that many of our local businesses have voluntarily made decisions that have dramatically reduced the amount of water being utilized. Additionally, in the case of car washes, these operations primarily use recycled (non-potable) water.
I see somebody watering, what do I do?
Some people might be using non-potable water from a rain barrel or holding tank. Others might have WID water rights or a well. Talk to them, they may not be aware of the restrictions. If you have questions about this or wish to express a concern, contact Municipal Enforcement who always strive to take an education-first approach.
How do I stay up to date on the situation?

 

 

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