Town implements Level 1 water restrictions

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Taber Times

Southern Alberta Newspapers

All restrictions and penalties (as outlined in the Water Conservation Bylaw) are now in effect for Level I as of May 6.

All outdoor water use is permitted as follows:

• Watering of lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs may only occur during the following hours:

 – 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

 – 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Food Garden Exemptions: gardens cultivated exclusively for food consumption are exempt from water restrictions in Level I, but are restricted to being watered during the dates & times noted for the addresses.

• All other outdoor water use (filling pools, hot tubs, vehicle washing, filling of ponds/fountains, washing house exteriors, etc.) is permitted any time on your prescribed days.

 – Water that a person can establish (is not supplied by the Town) is not subject to the above restrictions (i.e.: rain barrels filled by natural precipitation, private wells, or water purchased from other sources than Town of Taber supplied water).

Municipal Impacts:

 – To assist with reducing water usage, the Town of Taber is taking these steps in municipal facilities:

 – Southside Kiwanis Spray Park:

   Closed for the 2024 season

 – Confederation Park Spray Park:

   Reduced operating hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (opening May 17, weather permitting)

 – Irrigation in Town-owned Parks & Greenspaces (including the Taber Memorial Gardens):

 – Will follow watering restrictions noted in the calendar above, based on times & greenspace’s address (odd or even).

What We’re Seeing

• Taber’s drought conditions remain “dry” with higher-than-average risk of drought persisting this year.

• Natural river flows & mountain snowpack are low.

• A strong El Nino suggests we will experience a drier and warmer winter, impacting moisture levels.

Monitoring Conditions

• Although the risk of drought is elevated at this time, conditions can change depending on the weather this spring and summer. We are closely monitoring conditions while taking steps to be prepared for drought, flood, or any other climate hazards such as extreme heat which can amplify drought, wildfires, and smoke hazards.

Working with Partners on Water Supply

• The Town is working with a number of partners to monitor conditions and respond accordingly. This includes the St. Mary River Irrigation District and the Government of Alberta.

Preparing for Outdoor Water Restrictions

• If Southern Alberta continues to experience dry conditions, Taberites should be prepared for outdoor water restrictions, which may be needed to help conserve water. These restrictions could be in place earlier this season, for a longer duration, and could be more strict than typically seen in our community. We will keep citizens and businesses informed as conditions evolve.

Actions We Are Taking:

The information the Town collects through our monitoring and discussions with water conservation partners helps us manage water storage in our reservoirs and other Town infrastructure.

During the onset of a drought and prior to declaring mandatory outdoor water restrictions, the Town will voluntarily reduce our use wherever and whenever it is safe and possible to do so.

If drought conditions persist and a significant supply shortage exists, the Town would implement the stages of our Water Conservation Bylaw to further reduce water demand.