Water Conservation Bylaw
St. Albert City Council approved the Water Conservation Bylaw in 2015. The bylaw focuses on water use restrictions for outdoor daytime sprinkler use. The goal of the bylaw is to help promote the efficient use of water in the community and to reduce water waste, which will lower maintenance and upgrading costs to water and wastewater infrastructure.
What are the Details?
Outdoor Daytime Sprinkler Use
Year-round municipally supplied water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system is permitted only between the hours of 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Watering in the early morning most reduces water loss due to evaporation and maximizes benefits to grass and other plants.
Exceptions to the Bylaw
- You can water at any time if you use a watering can, hose with a nozzle or a drip irrigation system as these devices control the amount of water used and do not waste excess water.
- Recreational use of sprinklers and water toys is permitted at any time.
- Newly laid sod and seeded lawns may be watered in any manner until the first cut only.
- Other landscaping may be watered in any manner when there is a risk that a new tree, shrub, or another type of vegetation will perish.
Background
Conception
In 2015, City Council directed Administration to develop a Water Conservation Bylaw that focused on low-flow water fixtures for new developments and renovations, as well as restrictions for outdoor daytime sprinkler use.
Public Engagement
Residents and stakeholders provided feedback about the bylaw in 2015 through several avenues, such as: engaging approximately 600 households via telephone survey, inviting residents and business owners to complete an online survey, and holding two open houses where the public could ask questions and receive more information from City staff.
Approval
The City approved the Water Conservation Bylaw in 2015 and took effect on January 1, 2018. By promoting efficient water use and the reduction of water waste in the community, the Water Conservation Bylaw intends to provide parameters for a water-wise community.
Update
On June 20, 2023 City Council passed the amended Water Conservation Bylaw.
Public Education
City Administration focuses on educating the community on water conservation and bringing awareness to the details of the bylaw.
Related Pages
Last edited: June 6, 2024