CURRENT RESTRICTIONS

Current Restriction Level (updated June 17, 2024):

What We're Seeing

Taber's drought conditions remain "dry" with higher-than-average risk of drought persisting this year.
Natural river flows & mountain snowpack are low.
A strong El Nino suggests we will experience a drier and warmer winter, impacting moisture levels.

How We Are Preparing

Monitoring Conditions

Although the risk of drought is elevated at this time, conditions can change depending on the weather this spring and summer. We are closely monitoring conditions while taking steps to be prepared for drought, flood, or any other climate hazards such as extreme heat which can amplify drought, wildfires, and smoke hazards.

Working with Partners on Water Supply

The Town is working with a number of partners to monitor conditions and respond accordingly. This includes the St. Mary River Irrigation District and the Government of Alberta.

Preparing for Outdoor Water Restrictions

If Southern Alberta continues to experience dry conditions, Taberites should be prepared for outdoor water restrictions, which may be needed to help conserve water. These restrictions could be in place earlier this season, for a longer duration, and could be more strict than typically seen in our community. We will keep citizens and businesses informed as conditions evolve.

How You Can Help

Every drop counts when using water. We have a number of resources to help Taberites conserve water, regardless of current restrictions and conditions. Click the images below to access them:

Actions We Are Taking:

The information the Town collects through our monitoring and discussions with water conservation partners helps us manage water storage in our reservoirs and other Town infrastructure.

During the onset of a drought and prior to declaring mandatory outdoor water restrictions, the Town will voluntarily reduce our use wherever and whenever it is safe and possible to do so.

If drought conditions persist and a significant supply shortage exists, the Town would implement the stages of our Water Conservation Bylaw to further reduce water demand.

FAQs

What are drought conditions and how are they determined?

Drought conditions are determined by a combination of factors, including significantly lower than average precipitation over an extended period, decreased groundwater levels, and reduced reservoir and stream flows. These conditions impact water supply, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Local environmental agencies monitor these indicators to classify drought severity.

The Government of Alberta's webpage has more information.

How will I be informed about the current drought status?

What are the stages of water restrictions?

What can I do to conserve water during a drought?

How will water restrictions affect residential water use?

Are there exceptions to the water restrictions?

What are the penalties for violating water restrictions?

When will water restrictions be lifted?

What is the Town doing to manage water resources effectively?

We have a plan that prepares for a number of contingencies for our municipal buildings and services. Because each drought is unique, our actions will depend on the availability of water, service level changes, and more. We are constantly pursuing ways of being more efficient in our buildings and services, and water conservation during droughts are no exception.

If there are any changes to municipal services that impact the public due to the drought, we will make that known to the public as soon as those decisions are made.

How can I stay updated on water conservation tips and drought information?