Outdoor Water Use and Restrictions
The Outdoor Water Use and Restriction Bylaw reflects a ‘new normal’ for High River’s water use and restrictions, to ensure we build resilience to the impacts of the changing climate.
Lawns only need about an inch of water per week to stay healthy, even in summer. That’s where LawNathan comes in! He’s more than just a mascot—he’s a friendly reminder that brown lawns are okay and a symbol of smart water use. Follow along as LawNathan shares tips, celebrates water-wise choices, and helps you stay in step with High River’s Outdoor Water Use & Restrictions Bylaw.
Current Restriction: Normal Water Use, or Twice a Week Watering
Residents may use automatic sprinklers to water lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs between the hours of 6 am to 9 am or 7 pm to 10 pm according to the following schedule:
- Odd-numbered houses on Sundays and Thursdays
- Even-numbered houses on Saturdays and Wednesdays
The following is also permitted: hand watering and hose watering, filling pools, hot tubs, and outdoor decorative features (such as fountains and ponds).
New Lawn Permits are available by application. Drop off completed forms at 309B Macleod Trail S.W. Please note that permits will not be issued in July or August.
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 am to 9 am or 7 pm to 10 pm
Automatic Irrigation Systems.
- Odd-numbered houses on Sundays and Thursdays
- Even-numbered houses on Saturdays and Wednesdays
- Between the hours of 2 am to 6 am
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
- Lawn permits will not be issued in July and August
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.
Protecting a Valuable Resource
With the threat of drought conditions and water shortages across parts of Alberta, High River’s Town Council has approved an 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.
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.
View the outdoor water use schedule.
We're here to help, contact us!
publicworks@highriver.ca
(403) 652-2110
2025 Public Works Resident Playbook Maps Report a Concern