Water Conservation

Cochrane is committed to environmental leadership in the community and has a sustainability plan to guide other work and policies.

Find out about the new rebates the Town of Cochrane is offering to encourage you to save even more water, inside and out (conditions apply).

Water Conservation Initiatives 
Low-flow fixture building code
Since June 1, 2006, the Town of Cochrane has required that all new builds, renovations, or basement development projects have only dual flush toilets installed. The 2009 Water Utility Bylaw (PDF) stipulates dual flush toilets only.

Residential Single Family Three-tier water rate
Cochrane's three-tier water rate ensures that the more water you consume, the more you pay for your total consumption:
If you use 0 to 25 cubic meters, you pay $1.13/cubic meter
26-60 cubic meters = $1.51/cubic meter
over 60 cubic meters = $2.25/cubic meter
Read the full bylaw (PDF).

Water conservation bylaw
Since the water conservation bylaw was approved in 2008, Cochranites have reduced their average water consumption approximately 15%.

Outdoor time-of-day watering restrictions are in effect May to October.
Non-compliance may result in prosecution.

Level One: Limited outdoor water use (in effect May to October unless otherwise advertised)
YOU MAY WATER OUTSIDE ONLY 5 - 10 am OR 7 pm - 1 am
Remember: Established lawns only need one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week – enough to fill an average Frisbee!
• Water your flower beds and vegetable gardens by hand with a watering can or hose nozzle with trigger control.
• Use surface and underground sprinklers for NO MORE than 15 minutes per section of lawn. If water is running onto the street, SHUT IT OFF.
• Children may use sprinklers, pools, and water toys at any time during the day. Shut off water when they are not using them.

The Town of Cochrane must approve all requests for site and condition-specific irrigation (see details for new sod below) and all irrigation schedules for parks and playfields.

Level Two: Most outdoor water use is PROHIBITED
YOU MAY NOT USE WATER OUTSIDE
Allow your lawn to go dormant.
Do not wash your vehicle, sidewalk, windows, or siding.
Exceptions:
• Water your flower beds and vegetable gardens by hand with a watering can or hose nozzle with trigger control.

The Water Conservation Officer may permit limited site and condition-specific watering by commercial or institutional operations using metered hand watering or continually-monitored irrigation systems to establish and protect new plants and sod.

Level Three: ALL outdoor water use is PROHIBITED
DO NOT WATER OUTSIDE
Water pressure will be reduced as required, as approved by the Cochrane Fire Department.
No bulk water sales will be allowed.
LEVEL THREE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

Use water wisely!
Collect rainwater in a barrel or cistern; select drought tolerant plants. Conservation measures and sensible water use may avoid Level Two and Level Three restrictions.
To protect potable water treatment and fire hydrant pressure, Level Two and Three restrictions are imposed by the Province and the Town through our water license conditions. We must all comply with the law. Help conserve water for everyone.

NON-COMPLIANCE MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION
(As per Town of Cochrane Water Utility Bylaw 03/2009)

New Sod & Naturescaping
Watering Instructions: New Sod
1. Water the site about 24 hours before your sod arrives to store moisture in the soil and ensure the topsoil is not too wet for the crew to walk on.
2. On the day the sod is laid, water it thoroughly in the evening between 7 pm and 1 am. Stop watering once the water begins to run off. New sod needs frequent, light watering to help establish the root system.
3. On Day Two, water again in the morning and evening (during watering hours only).
4. On the morning of Day Three, lift a corner of the sod to see if it is still moist underneath. If moist, wait until the evening water hours to water again. If dry, water during morning watering hours.
5. For the next few days, water only once a day during watering hours to encourage deep root growth.
6. For the next two weeks, water only as needed depending on the weather and watering restrictions.
7. After three weeks, the sod should be established. Deep water once a week during watering hours only.
8. Comply with Outdoor Water Conservation Measures.

If you have questions, call the the Water Conservation Officer at 403-851-2280.

NEW SOD WATERING PERMITS
When establishing a new lawn you may occasionally need to water outside of the watering hours, which requires a Watering Permit from the Town of Cochrane. Call 403-851-2280 for details.

Try Naturescaping!
Cochrane’s Land Use Bylaw requires Naturescaping in a minimum o f 25-50% of all new residential greenspace and in 100% of commercial greenspace. Naturescaping uses native plants with lots of mulch and other permeable or pervious surfacing material to reduce water use. Expand your naturescape every season until you have very little lawn to water and cut. Imagine the time, money, and water you will save!