CANMORE – Residents and businesses of Canmore, Harvie Heights and Dead Man’s Flats are being asked to stop all non-essential water use until at least Monday (June 12).
The mandatory restriction, a decision made by EPCOR, is due to water levels in the Peaks of Grassi reservoir falling below 50 per cent, with water levels needing to increase above at least 60 per cent.
EPCOR is asking people not to water lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs, wash vehicles, fill jacuzzis, hot tubs, and swimming pools, or do laundry.
“Failure to follow these measures will result in residents first being informed of the situation and, if cooperation is not met, water service could be disconnected,” stated the media release.
Water for drinking, cooking and personal cleaning is still allowed, but residents are asked to take short showers, hand wash dishes, reduce toilet flushing and to not leave taps running.
“Every drop in water saved helps as we work to ensure enough water and water pressure is available for firefighting and for the provision of clean drinking water,” stated the media release.
The release noted tap water is safe, but work to balance pressure in the water system may lead to cloudy water due to sediment being stirred up.
“Residents are advised to run their taps for a short time to clear the sediment,” according to the release.
The Town also released that indoor recreation facilities will remain open and unaffected by the restriction.
It added businesses that use water to deliver a product or service that’s life-sustaining for people, animals and plants are exempt from the water restriction. Businesses or services that use water to meet health code standards are also exempt.
Laura Ehrkamp, a specialist in external communications for EPCOR, said the Peaks of Grassi Reservoir is 5,000 cubic metres in volume. It supplies the west and central supply zone of Canmore, which is associated with Pumphouse No. 2.
According to the recently completed Utility Master Plan, the total volume of potable storage reservoirs for Canmore is 18,966 cubic metres in volume.
For more information, people can call EPCOR at 403-609-6400 or visit: www.epcor.com/learn/efficiency-conservation/Pages/default.aspx?mylocation=canmore_alberta.
