City of Camrose officials are warning residents that water restrictions may be required earlier than normal this spring due to low water levels at Dried Meat Lake. After a dry fall and a winter with below-average precipitation, the city is urging residents to use water wisely to help conserve current supplies.
The city recorded approximately 67 millimetres of precipitation this past winter, which fell slightly short of the 69-millimetre average seen since 1991. Because the water level in Dried Meat Lake began the season at a lower elevation than in previous years, local officials state that a full recovery will be more difficult to achieve this spring.
Under the city’s Water Restrictions Bylaw, potential water usage is managed through four stages based on the number of days of raw water storage remaining. While the city is currently monitoring the situation, officials noted that Stage 1 restrictions may need to be implemented sooner than typical. If conditions do not improve, the city may move to Stage 2 or higher restrictions.
The city’s water system is shared with regional partners, including Camrose County for the Braim Subdivision, the Village of Bittern Lake, and Cargill. In total, the city manages the diversion of approximately 2.4 million cubic metres of water annually to serve both its residents—who use about 5.5 million litres on a typical day—and its regional partners.
For questions regarding water usage or the current conservation efforts, residents can contact the City of Camrose Engineering Department at 780.672.4428.
