Redcliff council looks to clarify rules around water conservation
By James Tubb on March 26, 2024.
Medicine Hat News Redcliff council debated on Monday night proposals to amend the Water Conservation Bylaw to better define offences, staged restrictions and raise potential fines.The changes, outlined earlier this month, would see fines double for contravening the bylaw, from $50 for a first offence to $100, and to $200 and $500 for second and third offences.
It also outlines how the town that operates its own water treatment system would stage restrictions, if needed, during further expected drought conditions.
If imposed, voluntary measures would include opposite-day lawn watering for 60 minutes per day, and only before 9 a.m.
High-use customers, such as greenhouses and the golf course, would be required to present a conservation plan.
Increasing measures would be enacted as the town moves through stage 1 to 3 of the conservation plan, including total lawn restriction, though opposite-day hand watering of vegetable gardens would be allowed.
Mandatory measures would restrict all lawn watering, car washing and other non-essential uses, and at the same stage golf courses could maintain tees and greens to a minimum standard, but not water fairways.
Carwashes with water recycling systems would be allowed to operate. Bulk water sales would be halted except for potable use.
The result of debate and final reading of the bylaw were not known at press time.
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