The County of Grande Prairie has approved a new Water Restriction Bylaw in the hopes of ensuring sustainable water access for essential usage during dry conditions and potential low water levels.
Currently, there are “no plans” to restrict water usage within the county; however, officials suggest that the bylaw will enable the county to respond if water levels are reduced significantly.
If the county chooses to enact the bylaw, residents connected to the county’s water systems such as Aquatera will be affected. According to the county, should the bylaw take effect, “human health and safety are prioritized,” but other uses deemed “non-essential” could be limited to certain times.
The county’s Transportation and Utilities General Manager Ryan Konowalyk describes the new bylaw as a “necessary tool” as much of the province continues to battle drought-like conditions.
“This bylaw provides a necessary tool to safeguard the water supply for all residents and water users to meet everyone’s needs,” he says.
Communities throughout the province have implemented water restrictions to combat low water levels and splash parks/pool operations were limited as a result to ensure water is available for drinking and other household uses.
