While a few other nearby municipalities have issued watering restrictions in recent weeks, the Town of Cochrane has not done so, but is encouraging and thanking residents for continuing to “go slow on the H2O.”
In mid-August, the Cities of Calgary, Airdrie, and Chestermere each implemented watering restrictions, citing continued hot and dry weather and lower-than-usual seasonal flows in the Bow River.
However, in a Facebook post on Aug. 16, the Town of Cochrane said the success of its its local water conservation program means additional watering restrictions are not yet necessary locally.
“While Alberta’s hot, dry weather this summer has put additional strain on watersheds throughout our region, the success of Cochrane’s well-established water conservation program has ensured we continue to minimize our overall impacts to the Bow River watershed,” the Town's post stated.
“Water conservation initiatives such as our three-tier water rates, year-round Level 1 watering restrictions, time of day watering, community signage, low flow fixtures bylaw and the rebate program continue to impact and reduce our communities’ overall water use.”
These measures, according to the Town, combined with responsible stewardship demonstrated by Cochrane’s citizens, have resulted in reduced peak water use so far this summer.
“Considering the successes we’re seeing with our current water conservation initiatives, Cochrane Operations is not currently increasing our water use restriction from Level 1 to Level 2, but will continue to monitor usage, storage and flows of the Bow River, and will make adjustments as required,” stated Shane Hubl, director of operations for the Town of Cochrane.
For more information about Cochrane's water conservation program including available rebates, The Town says residents can visit cochrane.ca/waterconservation
Provincial focus
Provincially, the Alberta Government is still looking at alternative ways to mitigate both flood and drought risks on the Bow River.
The government is continuing to examine new flood and drought reservoir mitigation options, and is currently looking at three possibilities in the Bow River basin to improve storage capacity.
Options include a new reservoir located between Seebe and Morley that would be located on Stoney Nakoda Nation land, the potential to expand the already existing Ghost Lake Reservoir, or another new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam, located at the northwest edge of Calgary.
The projected timeline of the Bow River Reservoir options currently puts the province in phase two, continuing until 2024. Phase three would see engineering and regulatory approval processes, and phase four would ultimately see the construction and commissioning of any new or updated reservoirs.
The feasibility portion is set to be completed by winter of 2023. Those looking to learn more about the Bow River reservoir options can visit the Alberta Government website at alberta.ca.
“The feasibility study continues to examine the flood and drought mitigation reservoir options identified in the conceptual assessment, with a focus on determining the technical feasibility of the three options as well as identifying the potential impacts and associated benefits, implementation requirements and costs of each reservoir option," stated an Alberta government info page about the Bow River reservoir options. “Completion of the feasibility study is scheduled for June 2024."
As of writing, Rocky View County had not declared a water emergency but in a statement to Great West Media, assured they are currently monitoring the situation.
“Rocky View County’s Utility Services is currently monitoring the water shortage situation in southern Alberta, and at this time has not declared a water emergency,” the County stated. “Alberta Environment and Protected Areas’ Water Shortage Response has not been activated for our service areas, but we are watching the situation closely.
“The County encourages all residents to be water wise at all times. We will respond accordingly if the situation changes locally and/or provincially.”
