As you may already be aware, on July 28, 2021, in response to prolonged hot weather and subsequent low water levels in the Little Smoky River, the Town of Valleyview imposed a WATER BAN. As per Water Conservation Policy 03-09, during a water ban, all customers are asked to discontinue all non-essential water use, and all outdoor use is prohibited by all residential, industrial, and commercial customers.
Q: Why has a water ban been implemented?
A: Water bans are implemented to conserve existing supply in our reservoirs, and to ensure sufficient water to meet essential requirements such as drinking water and firefighting.
Q: How does a water ban affect my household or business?
A: All water customers are asked to discontinue all non-essential water use. This includes no watering lawns, gardens or trees; no washing vehicles, driveways, sidewalks, house exteriors; no filling pools, fountains, or ponds; and no use of water not used for human consumption.
While businesses are required to limit their water use, those whose main business is related to water, such as car washes, are exempt from the water ban at this time.
Q: How do I water my garden, trees, or lawn?
A: Watering with garden hoses is prohibited. Customers wishing to water gardens or trees are advised to use existing water stored in rain barrels or to safely collect water through other sources, such as from a dugout or well of a friend or relative.
Healthy, established lawns go dormant during dry spells, and may turn brown, but will regenerate once the dry spell is over.
Q: What do I do if my neighbour is not complying with the water ban?
A: If you know your neighbour, you may want to make them aware of the water ban. You may direct them to the Town’s website at valleyview.ca or the Town of Valleyview Facebook page for full details. If your neighbour does not have access to these platforms, they may call the Utilities Department at (780) 524-5156 for more information.
Q: How will the water ban be enforced?
A: While we trust water users will comply with this water ban, those in violation may be fined. If you witness willful or repeated violations, please report to the Town of Valleyview Utilities Department at (780) 524-5156.
Q: How long will the water ban last?
A: The water ban will be lifted once raw water reserves replenish. Please visit valleyview.ca or the Town of Valleyview Facebook page for updates on the water ban. If you do not have access to these platforms, please call the Utilities Department at (780) 524-5156 for more information.
Q: What measures is the Town of Valleyview taking?
A: To conserve water, the Town of Valleyview has ceased firefighting training, street sweeping, hydrant flushing, park watering, fleet vehicle washing, and construction projects, and the spray park has been closed.
You may have noticed that the Community Services Department has been able to continue watering our downtown flower baskets using dugout water. We appreciate this donation to keep our flowers looking beautiful.
It is important to know that the Town is not experiencing a critical shortage of water at this time – we are taking these measures to ensure uninterrupted supply until water levels in our reservoirs can recover. We are very closely monitoring water levels and will relax or lift the water ban when raw water levels replenish.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the water ban, please call the Town of Valleyview Utilities Department at (780) 524-5156.
The Town of Valleyview would like to thank all residential, commercial, and industrial customers for their co-operation. Through combined community effort we can conserve water and ensure sufficient supply for essential use.