It’s no fun to not be able to run through the sprinklers in the summer heat, but it’s a necessity.
When high temperatures saw water use in Okotoks spike in late July, the Town responded with an outdoor water ban to help its reservoirs replenish their supplies. Turner Valley and Black Diamond have followed with bans of their own, going so far as to ask people to limit indoor use.
People are doing their part, but the ban has brought an outcry from some saying it’s the result of continued development in town.
We need a little perspective.
According to Alberta Environment data, the Foothills saw between 10 to 20 mm of precipitation during the month of July. River flows in the Sheep River have dropped below the historic range for this time of year.
Water bans in Turner Valley and Black Diamond are not because of development in Okotoks.
Development needs to consider water. New communities have only gotten the nod if the Town has a water licence to supply it, with many developers bringing their own licences to the table.
The Town is taking a responsible step to protect its water supply and its residents.
People are frustrated, but they need to do their part to help.
