Stage 1 Water Restrictions End
The water level at Driedmeat Lake remains low, which is why the City of Camrose has remained under Stage 1 water restrictions for most of the summer and the fall. After careful monitoring, and as outdoor water use naturally decreases heading into winter, Stage 1 water restrictions will officially end today, November 7th.
These restrictions primarily targeted outdoor water use, and with fewer residents now watering lawns and gardens, overall demand has dropped. However, Camrose and area have been experiencing a series of dry years, including a hot and dry September, which has made it increasingly difficult for local water levels to recover. Many residents have even noticed that ponds and sloughs around the city are also drying up.
The charts below help illustrate the challenges we’re facing:
- Graph 1 shows that precipitation has dropped off significantly since July, compared to the 5-year average. Comparing the 2025 values against the 5 Year Averages, the City has experienced lower monthly precipitation amounts for every month since April.
- Graph 2 highlights the ongoing trend of lower-than-average water levels in our local supply since 2023, compared to the 8-year average.
As we move into the winter months, the amount of snowfall we receive will play a major role in how our water sources recover. If we don’t see enough snow this winter or rainfall next spring, we may need to reintroduce Stage 1 restrictions early next year or possibly move to Stage 2 restrictions if conditions worsen.
As an organization, we take this situation seriously and continue to look for ways to reduce water use within our operations. We are improving internal practices and supporting long-term conservation efforts. At the same time, City Council is actively advocating for a secure, alternate water source to help protect the future stability of our community and our regional partners.
We encourage all residents to continue using water wisely year-round. Small daily actions like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and avoiding unnecessary water use, help make a big difference over time.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to conserving water. Your efforts today will help protect our community’s water supply for the future.
Contact Us
City of Camrose
5204 - 50 Avenue
Camrose, AB T4V 0S8
P: 780.672.4426
F: 780.672.2469
E: info@camrose.ca