Water restrictions in effect for Edmonton-area communities, southeast Edmonton

As Alberta is blanketed by a scorching heat wave, some communities in the Edmonton region are advising people restrict their water use.

Strathcona County residents are advised to immediately reduce their water usage and only use water for essential purposes.

"With hot temperatures and the lack of rain, the regional water system is below normal levels," states the advisory from the county. "The restriction is required to ensure neighbouring communities and our own are able to keep up with demand."

The restriction applies to all residents in Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Josephburg, Half Moon Lake, Collingwood Cove, Antler Lake, and Fultonvale. Country residential areas, Josephburg Co-op customers and residents who get water from truck fills are also asked to reduce their water use.

Spruce Grove and Stony Plain have issued Water Protocol B restrictions, which means a voluntary water restriction for the general public and a ban on non-essential potable water use for all municipal operations. The City of Leduc also has a water demand restriction in effect, with the same restrictions.

Epcor has issued a voluntary restriction on non-essential water use in some parts of southeast Edmonton. 

The restriction applies to residents living from Whitemud Drive and south from Calgary Trail to the east-end boundary. Residents are asked to reduce any non-essential water use between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"Due to a combination of the increasingly hot temperatures and limitations with pumping systems, customers may be experiencing water pressure issues in some areas of the city," stated a news release from Epcor sent Monday evening. 

Examples of non-essential water use including watering gardens, washing cars or filling a swimming pool. Epcor is also asking residents to try to reduce water use in any way they can such as taking a short shower and turning off the tap when brushing teeth.

"Customers should not be concerned about the overall supply or quality of the drinking water in the city," states the release.