Outdoor Water Use and Restrictions
The Town is currently at the Normal Water Use Level, or twice a week watering, for outdoor water restrictions.
Protecting a Valuable Resource
With the threat of drought conditions and water shortages across parts of Alberta, High River’s Town Council has approved a new Outdoor Water Use and Restriction Bylaw.
The bylaw encourages the wise use of water, and outlines High River’s water use and restrictions, to ensure we build resilience to the impacts of the changing climate. It encourages residents to use water wisely and sets out clear water use and restrictions. It also outlines penalties for not following the rules in place to protect our water resources.
- Read the news article here
- View a printable outdoor water use schedule
- Read the FAQs (check back for updates)
“High River is fortunate with access to a great supply of water. Having a long-term water strategy is one of Council’s strategic priorities. With multiple water shortages across Alberta, the province is one stage away from declaring a provincial water shortage emergency. It’s critical that we work together to protect our water supply now and for the future.
High River is already seen as a leader in flood mitigation. We can lead the way in conserving water too, however it is essential that everyone – residents and businesses alike – do their part. Don’t focus only on what the bylaw tells us to do. We each need to take steps to do more, to be accountable for our water use every day." Mayor Craig Snodgrass
The information below represents the different levels of outdoor watering restrictions as defined in the bylaw. The Town determines our current outdoor water restriction level based on various factors. These include the condition of the aquifers and wells used by the community, ensuring sufficient water reserves for firefighting purposes, environmental sustainability and resource protection, adherence to water quality standards, and infrastructure capabilities.
New Lawn Permits
All residents must comply with the Town’s Outdoor Water Use and Restriction Bylaw unless they have been granted a special exception. Permits to allow watering of new lawns can be printed and dropped off at the Town Office (309B Macleod Trail S.W.) for processing. Download a new lawn watering permit.
Outdoor Water Use Schedule
According to the bylaw, there are four outdoor water use restriction levels:
- Normal Water Use: Twice a week watering
- Level 1 Water Use Restriction: Once a week watering
- Level 2 Water Use Restriction: Hand watering only
- Level 3 Water Use Restriction: No watering
For information on watering days and details on activities that are restricted at each level, see below or . Additional information is also available in our
Normal Water Use
Watering with a sprinkler (Lawn, Garden, Trees or Shrubs).
- ODD numbered houses on Sundays and Thursdays
- EVEN numbered houses on Saturdays and Wednesdays
- Between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Automatic Irrigation Systems.
- ODD numbered houses on Sundays and Thursdays
- EVEN numbered houses on Saturdays and Wednesdays
- Between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Allowed During Normal Water Use:
- Watering with a spring-loaded nozzle with automatic shut-off, connected to a hose for gardens, trees and Shrubs.
- Watering with a hand-held container for gardens, trees and shrubs.
- Washing down outdoor surfaces, including building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, and walkways and washing vehicles.
- Using water for filling outdoor decorative features, fountains or ponds.
- Using water for filling swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs.
- Using water for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control
Watering of new grass (Sod within 21 days - Seed within 49 days).
- Permit Required
Level 1: Water Use Restriction
Watering with a sprinkler (Lawn, Garden, Trees or Shrubs).
- ODD numbered houses on Thursdays
- EVEN numbered houses on Wednesdays
- Between the hours of 6 AM to 9 AM or 7 PM to 10 PM
Automatic Irrigation Systems.
- ODD numbered houses on Thursdays
- EVEN numbered houses on Wednesdays
- Between the hours of 2 AM to 6 AM
Allowed During Level 1: Water Use Restriction
- Watering with a spring-loaded nozzle with automatic shut-off, connected to a hose for gardens, trees and Shrubs.
- Watering with a hand-held container for gardens, trees and shrubs.
- Using water for filling outdoor decorative features, fountains or ponds.
- Using water for filling swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs.
- Using water for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control.
Not Allowed During Level 1: Water Use Restriction
- Washing down outdoor surfaces, including building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, and walkways and washing vehicles.
Watering of new grass (Sod within 21 days - Seed within 49 days).
- Permit required
Level 2: Water Use Restriction
Allowed During Level 2: Water Use Restriction
- Watering with a spring-loaded nozzle with automatic shut-off, connected to a hose for gardens, trees and Shrubs.
- Watering with a hand-held container for gardens, trees and shrubs.
Not Allowed During Level 2: Water Use Restriction
- Watering with a sprinkler (Lawn, Garden, Trees or Shrubs).
- Automatic Irrigation Systems.
- Washing down outdoor surfaces, including building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, and walkways and washing vehicles.
- Using water for filling outdoor decorative features, fountains or ponds.
- Using water for filling swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs
- Using water for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control
Watering of new grass (Sod within 21 days - Seed within 49 days).
- Permit required
Level 3: Water Use Restriction
Not Allowed During Level 3: Water Use Restriction
- Watering with a sprinkler (Lawn, Garden, Trees or Shrubs).
- Automatic Irrigation Systems.
- Watering with a spring-loaded nozzle with automatic shut-off, connected to a hose for gardens, trees and Shrubs.
- Watering with a hand-held container for gardens, trees and shrubs.
- Watering of new grass (Sod within 21 days - Seed within 49 days).
- Washing down outdoor surfaces, including building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, and walkways and washing vehicles.
- Using water for filling outdoor decorative features, fountains or ponds.
- Using water for filling swimming pools, wading pools and hot tubs.
- Using water for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control.
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640 7 Street N.W. High River, Alberta
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operations@highriver.ca
403-652-4657
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