The MD of Pincher Creek is urging all residents and businesses connected to its regional water system to begin conserving water immediately.

The advisory, first announced June 5, applies to water users in Lundbreck, Beaver Mines, the Village of Cowley, Castle Mountain Resort, and any rural properties connected using the system.

The decision was made after officials determined water levels in the Oldman Reservoir are significantly below average — a growing concern for the region in recent years.

According to a public notice issued by the MD, numerous contributing factors have placed additional strain on the system. The snowpack that typically helps replenish reservoir levels has mostly melted, while rising temperatures have increased the seasonal demand for water throughout the region. 

These conditions triggered the advisory under the MD’s Water Shortage Response Plan, which outlines a staged approach to managing water shortages.

The plan allows officials to assess system conditions and introduce escalating measures based on several key factors, including reservoir levels, infrastructure capacity and overall demand.

New intakes were installed in early 2024 as part of a long-term infrastructure plan. However, they remain on standby as the reservoir’s water levels remain above the old intakes. If the levels continue to drop, the MD may be required to transition to the new intakes later this year.

Under the advisory, residents are encouraged to limit outdoor watering to the cooler hours of the day, from 6 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. This approach helps reduce water loss stemming from evaporation and supports more efficient use of the limited water supply.

Residents are also asked to reduce their water use by fixing household leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, taking shorter showers, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

The MD further recommends that residents sweep their driveways and sidewalks rather than using a hose, and use captured rainwater when possible for outdoor tasks.

While restrictions are currently voluntary, the MD urges residents and businesses to begin reducing their water use to help delay or prevent the need for stricter, mandatory measures later in the season.

“Just because of the dry trend conditions right now, and the lack of snowpack, we are just under an advisory. It’s the first step, just to let people know,” said Jessica McClelland, executive assistant to the MD of Pincher Creek.

“This is just letting people know to try and conserve some water. Unfortunately, if the trend continues with the lack of moisture and the heat, we will have to implement more restrictions.”

Officials stress that early action by the community will help ensure the sustainability of the regional water system through the hot, dry months ahead.

Further information about the advisory is available online at mdpinchercreek.ab.ca. Questions can also be directed to the MD office by phone at 403-627-3130 or by email at mdinfo@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca.