Ville Giroux residents can once again go for a splash in the park as of this week, after city officials eased up on water use restrictions.
The City of St. Albert shifted from Water Demand Management Measure B to A at about 5 p.m. on July 23.
The change means city crews can resume using water for construction, ice surface establishment, and bulk water stations. They will also reopen the Versailles Park Splash Pad in Ville Giroux. All Measure A restrictions on city water use remain in effect.
The city initially shifted to Measure A at about 10:30 a.m. on July 22 in response to high water demand, dry weather, and scorching heat. The city upgraded to Measure B about an hour later.
The city brings in water demand measures whenever water levels in its reservoirs dip below certain levels.
Measure A kicks in at 50 per cent, and requires city crews to suspend non-essential potable water uses such hydrant flushing, non-emergency sewer flushing, street sweeping, dust abatement, pool filling, park watering, firefighter training, and washing city vehicles. It also asks residents to voluntarily cut back on water use.
Measure B activates at 30 per cent. It includes all the mandatory and voluntary restrictions of A, and also requires city crews to close the Versailles Park Splash Pad and to not use water for construction, establishing ice surfaces, or bulk water stations. It does not close the Woodlands Water Play Park, as the park recirculates its water and does not require additional water to run.
These measures are separate from the city’s Water Conservation Bylaw, which is in effect year-round. Under it, residents are not allowed to water lawns using municipally supplied water and a hose, pipe, sprinkler, or irrigation system unless they do so between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., with some exceptions.
Residents can conserve water by using rain barrels, not watering lawns or washing cars, and reducing water use during the 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. peak demand periods.
Visit stalbert.ca for updates on the city’s water demand management measures.
