Residential Water Use Reduction Update

Thank you to Camrose residents for continuing to reduce nonessential water use while the City responds to heavy rainfall over the past 36 hours. The rain has caused a significant increase in water flowing through the City's wastewater system, putting extra strain on our South pumping station.

City crews worked hard through the night to monitor conditions, protect critical infrastructure, and keep residents safe. Vacuum trucks were called in to help ease pressure on the system by removing water upstream from the South Lift Station. This work has helped reduce the station’s operating level from approximately 90% capacity to approximately 75% capacity.

Although conditions have improved, the system remains under pressure. We are asking residents to continue limiting nonessential water use wherever possible. Simple steps can make a difference, such as:

• Holding off on running the washing machine or dishwasher
• Taking shorter showers and avoiding baths
• Turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes
• Checking that sump pumps and downspouts are working properly
• Postponing any other water use that is not immediately necessary.

To do our part, we have closed the Mayer Aquatic Centre for June 22nd to limit cleaning and showering water from entering the wastewater system.

Every little bit of water conservation helps ease the pressure on the system!

Residents are also reminded to stay away from low-lying areas, drainage ponds, and stormwater infrastructure throughout the city. These areas may be at or near capacity and can be dangerous during and after heavy rainfall. This includes the fenced off-leash dog park behind Safeway and Staples, which is designed as a stormwater pond and is currently under water. Residents are asked to avoid the area until water levels have receded and it is safe to reopen.

The City will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. With the rain forecasted for today, we anticipate these restrictions lasting all day and we will evaluate again this evening. We know this is an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate the patience, care, and cooperation residents are showing as crews continue working to protect the community.