DIDSBURY - Council has approved a new Water Protection bylaw aimed at promoting prudent water usage during time of drought or extreme demand.
The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
Bylaw 2-24-07 applies to all customers and consumers, including residential, industrial, commercial and institutional users.
Under the bylaw, in the event of an emergency or extreme restriction, the Town of Didsbury may shut off water service, without prior notice, to a customer, a group of customers or a geographical area.
The bylaw states that the purpose of restrictions is to limit non-essential use so water is available for essential uses such as human consumption, sanitation and firefighting.
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."
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 bylaw was originally called the Water Conservation Bylaw but was changed to now be called the Water Protection Bylaw.
Under the bylaw, first offences carry a fine of $125, second offences $500, and third offences $750.
