The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to be mindful of how much water they are using.
The Oldman watershed is fed by three reservoirs in southern Alberta, with the largest being the Oldman reservoir. Officials say as of Friday, May 23, the reservoir is at 65 per cent full.
While that is higher than this time last year, when it was at 53 per cent, it is still below normal. Below are how the other two southern Alberta reservoirs are sitting:
- Mary Reservoir: 82 per cent full (above normal)
- Waterton Reservoir: 48 per cent full (normal)
The City updates reservoir levels every Friday at its website.
Officials add that the mountains that feed the Oldman Reservoir saw less snow than last year, with the overall snowpack listed as below normal. That means less runoff feeds the rivers and streams in the watershed. The City adds that the Oldman River Basis, which includes Lethbridge, is listed provincially as in ‘Drought Stage 3: Severe Drought’.
Mother Nature is anticipated to bring high-than-average temperatures for the start of the summer season. Additionally, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has issued a water supply outlook of ‘much below average’ for May through September.
As a result, the City is asking everyone to look at ways to reduce their water use. Last year, water consumption in Lethbridge was down by 14 per cent compared to volumes in 2023. The City says it is doing its part to reduce water use.
Suggestions to conserve water include limiting washing your car or getting a rain barrel.
