Water Conservation

Water Conservation Rebates

Find out how rebates available for water conservation work and how to apply for them.

Water Rates

Find water rates and learn about how Cochrane’s three-tier water rate works.

Household Water Use

What does the average household use and how you can reduce your water use indoors.

Water Utility Bylaw

Learn about our Water Utility Bylaw that supports Cochrane's water resilience.

Our water is worth saving

Since 2007, Cochrane has reduced our daily water use by 36%. Yet, our continued water resiliency depends on our continued efforts to conserve and carefully use water.

As Alberta prepares for drought, Cochrane is well positioned to continue our conservation efforts, reduce our collective use and collaborate with shared users of the Bow River Basin and beyond to share the impacts of water shortage.

Current water restriction

Level one water restrictions are in effect year-round to avoid watering in the warmest parts of the day. You may water outside before 10 a.m., or after 7 p.m.

Level one watering restrictions in effect.

What we've done:

Cochrane has implemented several key initiatives that demonstrate its dedication to water conservation:

Updated Water Utility Bylaw: Council recently approved changes to the Water Utility Bylaw, enhancing water sustainability. These amendments provide greater clarity on water restriction levels, offer operational flexibility during emergencies, and expand irrigation timeframes.
Investing in Sustainability: Increased funding has supported the Water Loss Mitigation program, water conservation initiatives, community rebates and additional staff.
Measurable Success:
- Cochrane utilized only 65% of its allocated water license in 2023, showcasing our residents' commitment to conservation.
- Daily water use per capita has decreased by 36% since 2007, transitioning from 400 to 255 litres.
- The Water Loss Mitigation program, launched in 2023, recovered 71 million litres of water – equivalent to the annual use of 376 Cochrane households.
Long-Term Vision: Cochrane has had metered water systems for five decades and Tiered Water Rates since 2007.
- The Town has recently acquired a new water licence and continues to pursue additional licence to support growth while ensuring future water availability.

What we're doing:

Cochrane remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. Administration is actively seeking new ways to enhance water conservation, ensuring we achieve the water use reduction targets of 5-10%, if severe drought conditions develop, in alignment with the recent Government of Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

How you can help:

Gardener with handful of mulch laying it down between two bushes — Claim your rebate

woman-watering-her-flowers-with-red-watering-can — Prepare your yard

Water restrictions

The Water Utility Bylaw outlines rules and regulations related to hydrants, utility accounts, rates and billing, water conservation (including time-of-day watering restrictions), plumbing fixtures and water quality and bulk water.

Cochrane has three water restriction levels with specific rules for allowable water use. These restrictions are directly tied to the current status of Cochrane's water reservoirs. By adhering to these levels, we can manage our water resources more effectively and sustainably.

In the event of declining and unrecoverable treated water storage volumes (such as a mechanical breakdown at the Water Treatment Plant or drought), Cochrane may increase water restrictions to level two or three. These restrictions make sure that water storage levels are protected until the problem is resolved. The priority is maintaining water supply for indoor use, maintaining fire protection storage in the water distribution system and replenishing reservoir storage volumes.

Read the Water Utility Bylaw

Level one: careful use

Level one restrictions are in effect year-round to promote water conservation related to outdoor use and eliminate sprinkler use during the warmest part of the day.

The use of potable water through a sprinkler and/or automated irrigation is permitted before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Exceptions include:

Flowerbeds and vegetable gardens may be watered by hand, at any time, using a watering
can or a hose with a nozzle with a trigger shut off to restrict water flow; and
Sprinklers and water toys, including without limitation children’s pools, may be used for recreational purposes by children as long as children are present during use.

Cochrane must approve all requests for site and condition-specific irrigation and all irrigation schedules for parks and ball fields.

Level two: prohibited outdoor use

Level two restrictions prohibits the outdoor use of potable water to reduce customer demand related to outdoor water use or to comply with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas requirements.

During level two restrictions, you may not:

use a sprinkler or automated irrigation systems
wash your vehicle, sidewalk, driveway or home exterior
fill your hot tub or pool or use children's water toys

During level two restrictions, you may:

water your flower beds and vegetable gardens by hand using a watering can or hose nozzle with trigger control

Cochrane may limit or suspend Non-Domestic Bulk water sales.

Cochrane may permit site specific and condition specific watering, to establish and protect new plants and sod. Conditions apply.

Lifting of a Level 2 Restriction may be based on, but not limited to: customer demand, Potable Water reservoir levels and distribution system operation.

Level three: essential use

Level three water restrictions may be enacted as an emergency water conservation measure to protect Cochrane's water reservoir levels and maintain potable water supply for fire storage volumes and basic personal and premise hygiene.

If seasonally appropriate, all items contained within the Level Two Restriction are in effect.

Residents shall immediately reduce daily household use by the percentage and volume communicated through public notice at declaration of the Level Three Restriction. Further reductions and measures may be requested or required during a Level Three Restriction.

Distribution system pressure will be reduced as necessary, subject to Fire Services review.

Non-domestic Bulk water sales will be suspended, limited Domestic Bulk water sales may be permitted.

Lifting of a Level Three Restriction may be based on, but not limited to: customer demand, Potable Water reservoir levels and distribution system operation.

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