Conservation

Non-essential water use refers to activities that consume water but are not necessary for basic living needs, safety, or health. During a voluntary water ban, residents are encouraged to reduce or eliminate these activities to conserve water.

1. Limit lawn watering: Water lawns, gardens, or landscapes only when absolutely necessary.
2. Avoid car washing: Refrain from washing cars, driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
3. Turn off ornamental features: Stop using water features like fountains or decorative ponds.
4. Postpone filling pools: Delay filling or topping off swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas.
5. Avoid power washing: Skip power washing the exterior of buildings or structures unless necessary for safety or sanitation.
6. Reduce recreational use: Minimize water use for recreational activities, such as filling water balloons or using sprinklers for play.

The goal is to prioritize water use for essential activities like drinking, cooking and hygiene, and fire protection while reducing non-essential usage to preserve water resources during periods of high demand or limited supply.

Conserve water, collect rain

Embrace the sustainability of rain barrels as they help you conserve water and combat drought. Positioned beneath downspouts (roof leaders), they efficiently collect rainwater runoff from your rooftop. Experience the benefits firsthand:

• Save money by utilizing free rainwater for gardening.
• Nurture healthier plants with rainwater’s essential nutrients like nitrogen.
• Preserve water for everyday household tasks like washing cars or cleaning patio furniture.

Where can I get rain barrels in Beaumont?

There are two opportunities for residents to acquire rain barrels:

1. Beaumont and District Agricultural Society Rain Barrel Sale 
   • This annual sale happens in May
2. Beaumont Home Hardware – based on availability
   • Contact Home Hardware directly at 780-929-9116 or visit them at 5700 50 Street #104, Beaumont

Note: These sales are not managed by the City. If you have questions regarding purchasing rain barrels, please reach out to the respective organization.

While there won’t be a dedicated sale event, residents are encouraged to explore alternative avenues for acquiring rain barrels. Consider participating to contribute to water conservation efforts in our community

Our water is supplied by the Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission (CRSWSC). The CRSWSC transmission main flows from the CRSWSC Boundary Station on the west side of the QEII Highway east into Beaumont’s Main Reservoir on the southeast corner of 50 Avenue and 57 Street. The Commission purchases its water directly from EPCOR Water Services in coordination with the Regional Water Customers Group (RWCG). EPCOR supplies the CRSWSC from two major water treatment plants, E.L. Smith and Rossdale, both located in the City of Edmonton and sourcing water from the North Saskatchewan River. The CRSWSC is one of nine members that form the RWCG. All nine members work closely together to ensure all communications and transactions with EPCOR Water Services are of a united front. The Commission works closely with the RWCG for long-range planning, rate negotiation and coordination of water supply.

The Commission works diligently to ensure clean, safe drinking water is provided to all customers. It closely monitors and controls flow rates, chlorine residuals, pressures and reservoir levels for each of its customers. The Commission endeavours to comply with all regulations and standards set out by Canadian regulatory agencies. It’s the goal of the CRSWSC to set standards and guidelines for each of its customers to model themselves after.

The flow rate is based on what EPCOR can provide to the CRSWSC system while following the agreement with the RWCG.

The CRSWSC’s one transmission main flows from the Boundary Station on the west side of the QEII Highway east into Beaumont’s Main Reservoir on the southeast corner of 50 Avenue and 57 Street.

We have five reservoir cells. There are three cells at the Main Reservoir (southeast corner of 50 Avenue and 57 Street) and two cells at the St. Vital Reservoir (northeast corner of 50 Avenue and 44 Street). Our total available storage is 17,700 m3 (17,700,000 Litres). The only way to fill the St. Vital Reservoir is to pump water from the Main Reservoir, which is done during non-peak times. Pump upgrades are required at the St. Vital Pumphouse to allow pumping of water through the system during peak periods. As more development occurs we will require additional storage. This information is identified in the Water and Wastewater Systems Report (Reviewed with Committee of the Whole on March 20, 2018). See the Utilities & Storm Management Plan page.

If there is a flow restriction from the CRSWSC based on availability from EPCOR, there is nothing that can be done by Beaumont to avoid a ban. Several factors determine if there will be a water ban including dry-conditions, flow from the CRSWSC and water consumption. The first priority is to ensure there is sufficient water for essential services (fire protection).

Please note that the City of Beaumont follows the Water Demand Measures set forth by Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission (CRSWSC). When water bans or restrictions are in place, this is generally due to requirements set forth by the CRSWSC.

Yes, there are plans in place to upgrade the pumping capacity and add reservoirs as Beaumont grows.

For information on how to check your home for water leaks, visit the “Leaks” section on the Water Meters page.

Water bans are put in place to ensure there is sufficient water capacity in Beaumont’s reservoir for essential resident use and firefighting. Your cooperation in helping to preserve this precious resource is greatly appreciated! If a water ban is implemented, that information will appear on the Public Notices page.