Canmore, Alta., under non-essential water ban as hot temperatures cause low reservoir

Residents and businesses in Canmore, Harvie Heights and Deadman's Flats are facing a mandatory non-essential water ban, according to the Town of Canmore. 

As of Friday at 11:45 a.m., the town said Epcor is advising all residents and businesses in the three areas to stop non-essential water use.

This ban includes watering lawns, gardens, trees, or shrubs, washing cars, sidewalks, driveways, or houses with water, doing laundry, and filling hot tubs or swimming pools. 

Due to hot temperatures and an increase in demand, water levels in the Peaks of Grassi reservoir are below 50 per cent, Epcor said in a media release. 

The utility company said they're asking for reduced water use until reservoir levels are above at least 60 per cent, which could take until Monday at the earliest. 

"Every drop in water saved helps as we work to ensure enough water and water pressure is available for firefighting and for the provision of clean drinking water," the release read. 

Tap water remains safe to drink at this time, Epcor said. Efforts to balance pressures across the water system may stir up sediment in the pipes, which may result in cloudy water at the taps. Residents are advised to run their taps for a short time to clear the sediment. 

Drinking and household use of water are still permitted, and facilities that must use water to meet health code standards — like hospitals and other health care providers and restaurants — are exempt from the measures. 

Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life-sustaining for people, animals and plants, such as greenhouses or food manufacturers, are also exempt.

Epcor said failure to follow these measures will result in residents first being informed of the situation and, if cooperation is not met, water service could be disconnected.