Stage 1 water restriction issued for parts of MD of Pincher Creek

The Municipal District of Pincher Creek has declared a Stage 1 water shortage, citing low and declining water levels in the Oldman Reservoir, lack of remaining snowpack and high seasonal demand.

Announced July 14, the restriction applies to the hamlets of Lundbreck and Beaver Mines, Castle Mountain Resort, the Village of Cowley and all rural users connected to the MD’s regional water system. The measures are designed to reduce water use through limited but scheduled outdoor activities.

Under the MD’s Water Shortage Response Plan, the following rules now apply:

Manual lawn watering and aesthetic garden sprinkling
–Allowed only between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
–Odd-numbered addresses: permitted on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
–Even-numbered addresses: permitted on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Automatic sprinkling systems
–Permitted only between midnight and 6 a.m.
–Odd-numbered addresses: permitted on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
–Even-numbered addresses: permitted on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Drip irrigation and hand watering
–Allowed any day of the week
–Only between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Watering of new lawns and landscaping
–Allowed any day
–Water only between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., or 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Filling decorative fountains, water features, hot tubs and pools
–Permitted only twice per week
–Days allowed: Wednesday and Sunday

Washing outdoor surfaces and vehicles 
–Washing of driveways sidewalks, decks, cars, boats, etc., is permitted any day
—Use of brush and bucket, spring-loaded nozzle and/or wand washer permitted

Essential watering
–There is no restriction of watering of personal food gardens
—Residents are encouraged to water during permitted hours: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Essential water use 
–Use of water for drinking, sanitation, cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal cleaning is not restricted
—Residents are encouraged to water during permitted hours: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The MD asks all residents to use water wisely during the restriction and to follow the outlined schedule to help protect regional water supplies. For full details and updates, visit the MD’s website.