Did you know:
- Hand watering flowers, vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs with a container or hose with a manual trigger nozzle is always permitted.
- You can apply for a water exemption permit if you have new sod or are growing from seed!
We are committed to conserving and protecting our water supply. Managing water resources wisely is important so local residents and businesses can rely on our water system for many years to come. Let's work together to help practice responsible water use.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Below are some helpful resources to help monitor and reduce your water consumption and save you money!
Did you know that the Town does not actively monitor your individual daily water consumption, but the new water meter portal allows you to do this yourself in real-time? The new water portal also allows you to set up high water consumption alerts, which will help you catch an undetected leak before your bill could potentially get very high.
Your new meter and transmitter uses radio frequency (RF) and innovative technology for more accurate billing, reflecting real-time water consumption and providing more insight into your consumption habits. The new modernized water infrastructure provides water customers with enhanced water conservation and leak detection information.
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!
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.