Watering Schedule: May 1 - October 31

You Asked & We Answered

We know residents have been asking a lot of questions around why we continue to develop when there doesn't seem to be enough water. Here's what you need to know:

1. Why is the Town considering approving new growth areas when we continue to have watering restrictions?

   For any new development to be approved, developers work within the Town’s updated Water Allocation Policy which enables the Town to only approve development within its water license capacity. Within the licensing capacity the Town currently has, there is enough water to accommodate community use as well approved development. The process requires the Town to acquire water licenses and the developer to pay for license capacity. This ensures that sufficient water license capacity is available prior to approving land use for new development and ensures that the Town receives reimbursement for licensing costs. 

2. Why do we have watering restrictions and will the ever go away?
   Water restrictions, or what we like to refer to as the Town's 'watering schedule’, is about responsible sharing of a limited/scarce resource. When nature restricts access to water, we adjust our use accordingly. Without a watering schedule, we treat water as an infinite resource. The watering schedule creates awareness that it is a finite resource - and in the south Saskatchewan basin that is definitely the case.
   
   Based on the fact that we are still in the south Saskatchewan basin, the only closed basin in the province, and that the primary source of water in Okotoks is still the Sheep River, we plan on maintaining the watering schedule going forward to ensure we live within our means.  
    

3. How long has Okotoks had a watering schedule?
   Since 2008, when our population was over 17,000. 
   
   The watering schedule was made into a bylaw as the Town recognized that using potable (drinking) water on outdoor uses such as watering lawns is not the best use of this valuable resource.
    
4. Why did the Town implement a partial outdoor water ban in August 2022?
   On hot summer days, residents more than double (and sometimes even triple) regular water consumption just by watering their lawns. As the river cannot produce double/triple capacity on those days, we are using so much water that we are emptying our reserves. That is the definition of 'unsustainability' and we have to take action. By reducing consumption, we live within our means.  
   
   To put this into perspective, in winter our water consumption is approximately 6000-7500 ML per day. So far this summer, peak water usage was 14,000 ML per day, while max capacity in the river is 11,500 ML (according to August 2022 stats).
   
   Accordingly, the Town implemented a Stage 3 Partial Outdoor Water Ban as a proactive measure to ensure we have enough water for indoor household use and fire suppression. A Stage 3 Partial Outdoor Water Ban means residents are not permitted to water their lawns on weekends.
    
5. Can I still water my flowers and vegetable gardens on non watering days or during a Stage 3 partial outdoor water ban?
   Yes. For residents concerned about their gardens, hand watering is always an option and may be done at any time when using a container or manual trigger nozzle to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established. Please note, hand watering does not apply to lawns. Residents may apply for a water exemption permit if they have new sod or are growing from seed.
    
6. What if I just laid down sod or planted grass from seed?
   You can apply for a water exemption permit.
    
7. What is the regional water project?
   The objectives of the regional water project include providing safe and secure drinking water to the region and supporting the vital water needs of new (not current) residential growth and business development in both municipalities. A regional water system will also mitigate water resource constraints and pressure on challenged rivers within the project area.
   
   The Town’s Water for Life grant application was approved by the Alberta government in July. The Town will receive $16M in grant funding to construct a raw water pipeline where water will be pumped from the Bow River at the confluence of the Highwood River through a shared water system to water treatment facilities in Okotoks and Foothills County.
   
   Preliminary designs are complete and, with a two year construction timeline and pending final regulatory approvals, the regional water system is expected to be operational in August 2025.  
    

Scroll down for more info on the Town's Water Bylaw, different watering stages and ways to conserve water.

The Town’s water bylaw has 4 outdoor watering levels. The first level (green) is our regular watering schedule, which follows responsible water use practices. The others become increasingly cautious, depending on the current river and reservoir levels. This helps to ensure we have enough water for indoor household use and fire suppression during the dry summer months. Changes to watering levels can occur quickly—the current level is posted at the top of this page.

Summer Outdoor Water Use (May 1 to October 31)

Reservoir Levels: 85-100%, normal operations. Please refer to the outdoor watering schedule.

Note: Hand watering may be done at any time when using a container or hose to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Stage 2

Water Conservation Advisory

Reservoir Levels: 75-85%, increased communication of existing water conservation initiatives. Outdoor watering schedule remains in effect.

Note: Hand watering may be done at any time when using a container or hose to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Stage 3

Partial Outdoor Water Ban

Reservoir Levels: 65-75%, outdoor watering not permitted on weekends.

Note: Hand watering may be done at any time when using a container or hose to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Stage 4

Complete Outdoor Water Ban

Reservoir Levels: < 65%, full outdoor water ban. Actions include prohibiting outdoor water use and further actions as deemed necessary by the CAO.

Note: Hand watering may be done at any time when using a container or hose to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Fines
Municipal Enforcement enforces the Watering Schedule Bylaw to ensure that residents and businesses/institutions are in compliance. The fines for not following the water regulations range from $100—$2,500.

Report Outdoor Water Use
Have you noticed residents or businesses watering outside of their schedule? Please fill out this form to notify the Town and we'll send over Conservation Educators to visit the resident or business and have a friendly chat about the watering schedule and its importance to our community. Thanks for helping out!

Report Water Use 

Bylaw 23-21 - Water Bylaw

Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

Sign up for the water portal

Estimate your water bill using the Utility Bill Calculator!

This calculator will help keep track of your outdoor water consumption and the direct impact it may have on your next utility bill. Since utility fees are directly linked to usage, this is a great tool to help you save money!

Try the utility calculator

We love this You Tube video from the City of Saskatoon that showcases when and how much to water lawns, and how to know when your lawn needs watering. Information on the use of sprinklers and timed irrigation systems, xeriscaping, rain barrels and mulch is also included.

Watch the video