Claresholm, Alberta, residents are reminded to follow the town’s year-round outdoor watering schedule this summer, which sets designated days and times for lawn and garden watering based on street address.
The Watering Schedule and Water Shortage Response Plan, adopted by town council in September 2025, divides households into odd and even addresses. Those with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while even-numbered addresses have Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. All watering must be done between midnight and noon or 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
The rules apply to manual and automatic sprinklers. Hand watering and micro-irrigation systems have more flexibility, but the town encourages everyone to be mindful of water use. The schedule is part of a five-stage plan tied directly to water levels in Pine Coulee Reservoir, about 16 kilometres northwest of town, which supplies the community.
As of June 6, 2026, the reservoir sits at 71 percent of normal storage levels, a marked improvement from the severe drought of 2023 that forced Stage 3 restrictions for the first time in the reservoir’s 25-year history. The current conditions keep the town under its normal watering schedule—the least restrictive tier—but officials continue to monitor levels and could impose Stage 1 restrictions if the reservoir drops.
Enforcement will be stepped up through the summer. The Town of Claresholm says a first offence brings a warning and education, a second offence draws a $150 fine, and third and subsequent violations mean a $250 fine. The town credits past conservation efforts with cutting summer water use by about 20 percent, which has helped ease pressure on the system.
Residents can find the full schedule on the town website and download the Town of Claresholm app to stay informed of any changes.
