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Water levels low in Lethbridge, but city in no danger of running out of drinking water
Voluntary water conservation has paid off in city
November 2, 2023 By Ground Water Canada
Lethbridge, Alta. – Limited precipitation this year throughout southern Alberta has led to lower-than-normal water reserves.
Although the City of Lethbridge’s are lower than they normally would be, local residents have been assured they’re in no danger of running out of drinking water.
The Oldman reservoir’s volume is at its lowest since it was first constructed in the early 1990s.
“The City of Lethbridge is monitoring reservoir levels and works with the provincial government to assure our community water supply,” Doug Kaupp, general manager of water and wastewater services, said. “There is no current risk, but we continue to plan and prepare and certainly acknowledge the need for significant precipitation in the months ahead.”
City staff have been meeting with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) regarding the Oldman Dam level and operations and any forecasted impacts to water levels that would impact the City’s supply of water for drinking purposes. Based on their most recent meeting on Oct. 20, the current status of the instream flows exceed the requirements for water at the city’s intake.
Lethbridge has been encouraging voluntary water conservation since August, leading to a 20 per cent reduction in peak water consumption.
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