DIDSBURY – Council has given first reading to the new water conservation bylaw aimed at promoting prudent usage during times of drought or extreme demand.
The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
If approved, Bylaw 2-24-07 would apply to all customers and consumers, including residential, industrial, commercial and institutional users.
The water use restrictions and emergencies section of the bylaw includes the following provisions:
- Water restrictions provide the means for reducing use during extreme demand or when water production is limited. The purpose of restrictions is to limit non-essential use so water is available for essential users such as human consumption, sanitation, firefighting, etc.
- In the event of an emergency, the chief administrative officer or director of emergency management may shut off water service, without prior notes, to a customer, a group of customers or a geographical area.
- In the event that the town believes there is a reason to require reduced water usage, water use restriction may be declared.
- The declaration of a water use restriction may apply to the entire town, specific zone(s) or geographic area(s), other specific locations as defined by the town.
- In the event of a declaration of a water use restriction, the town shall cause public notice indicating the stage of water use restriction and the date such restrictions come or will come into effect.
The proposed bylaw also includes a section on water conservation, which states in part that “no owner or occupant of a parcel shall allow potable water to run off the parcel such that there is a stream of water running into the street or swale for a distance of 30 metres or more from the edge of the parcel (and) a stream of water running into the street or swale and directly into a catch basin (and) a stream or spray of water running into or falling onto a street or sidewalk.”
Exceptions to the restrictions include the use of potable water for health and safety, preventing the freezing of water mains, hydrant leads and water service connections, and for firefighter training.
The fines and penalties section states any person who contravenes the bylaw is liable for fines of not more than $2,500 and not less than $50.
Council referred the proposed bylaw to the policy and governance committee for review and recommendation.
All councillors and mayor Rhonda Hunter were in attendance at the June 11 council meeting.
