Outdoor Watering Schedule

The Town of Okotoks' outdoor watering schedule is in effect annually from May 1 - October 31.

The outdoor watering schedule helps balance the high demand for water during the peak watering season.

Each address has a three hour watering period to utilize what may be convenient for you:

  1. the early morning schedule is from 6 to 9 a.m., or
  2. the evening schedule is from 7 to 10 pm.  

Properties with automated irrigation systems are now to set their watering schedules between 2 and 5 a.m. on their permitted days. 

Outdoor watering is permitted as follows:  

Odd numbered addresses may water lawns:  (Addresses ending in 1,3,5,7,9)

  • Thursdays and/or Sundays

Even numbered addresses may water lawns:  (Addresses ending in 0,2,4,6,8)

  • Wednesdays and/or Saturdays

Watering may occur only during the following hours:

  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM or
  • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • 2:00 AM - 5 AM Households with programmable water irrigation systems

Did you know:

  • Hand watering flowers, vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs with a container or hose with a manual trigger nozzle is always permitted.
  • You can apply for a water exemption permit if you have new sod or are growing from seed! Apply for an exemption permit

  

FAQ

WATER SUPPLY AND OUTDOOR USE FAQ

Non-Compliance

Fines
Municipal Enforcement enforces the Watering Schedule Bylaw to ensure that residents and businesses/institutions are in compliance. The fines for not obeying the water regulations range from $100—$2,500.

Outdoor Watering Abuse
Have you witnessed outdoor water use outside of the watering schedule? Complete this form to notify of abuse on outdoor watering in the community. 

REPORT WATERING ABUSE 

Water Bylaw & Rates and Fees Bylaw Amendments

In 2018 Administration reviewed and concluded that an updated water bylaw inclusive of current industry language, amendments made to the previous water bylaw was required. A combination of the extended dry weather during the summer of 2017 and a request from Alberta Environment Protection Agency resulted in administration drafting a Water Shortage Response Plan. 

Town Council approves the new Water Bylaw 24-18

In 2018 Administration reviewed and concluded that an updated water bylaw inclusive of current industry language, amendments made to the previous water bylaw was required. A combination of the extended dry weather during the summer of 2017 and a request from Alberta Environment Protection Agency resulted in administration developing a Water Shortage Response Plan. The plan included an updated outdoor watering schedule that balances the supply and demand requirements for water during the peak outdoor watering season and provides further clarity on the ability to hand water during this time period. As a result, a new Water Bylaw 24-18 was prepared by Town Administration and approved at the May 14, 2018 Council Meeting.   

Bylaw 24-18

Town Council approves the amendments to Bylaw 09-17 Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

The amendments to Bylaw 09-17 were approved on the May 14, 2018 Council Meeting.  Changes includeda rate for manual water meter reading, fees for non-potable water use and an incentive for residents to subscribe for e-billing for their Town utility bills.

Bylaw 25-18 to Amend Bylaw 09-17 Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

Bylaw 09-17 Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

Reducing your water bill!

Here are some very helpful resources to help you monitor and reduce your water consumption and save you money!

Water Meter Portal Sign Up & Set Your Alerts!

Water Meter Portal Sign Up & Set Your Alerts!

Did you know that the Town does not actively monitor your individual daily water consumption, but the new water meter portal allows you to do this for yourself in real-time? The new water portal also allows you to set up high water consumption alerts, which will help you catch an undetected leak before your bill could potentially get very high. 

Portal Benefits

Your new meter and transmitter uses radio frequency (RF) and innovative technology for more accurate billing, reflecting realtime water consumption, providing you with more insight into your consumption habits. The new modernized water infrastructure provides water customers with enhanced water conservation and leak detection information.

Online Customer Portal - Your water has gone digital!

Bi-Monthly Utility Bill Calculator

Estimate your water bill using the NEW Utility Bill Calculator!

Use this calculator in the summertime to keep track of your outdoor water consumption and the direct impact it may have on your next utility bill. Since utility fees are directly linked to usage, this is a great tool to help you save money!

Try it out today!

Paperless Utility Bill incentive

Reduce your impact on nature, every little act counts!  Get your utility bill sent to your email address instead of receiving a paper bill to receive a $2.00 credit on your utility bill.  Email  utilities@okotoks.ca or call 403-938-8937 and start saving today!

 

Be Water Wise You Tube Video

We love this You Tube video from the City of Saskatoon that showcases when and how much to water lawns, and how to know when your lawn needs watering. Information on the use of sprinklers and timed irrigation systems, xeriscaping, rain barrels and mulch is also included.

Watch the video

Outdoor Watering Schedule Levels

Levels / Stages as per the Water Shortage Plan.

Outdoor Watering Stages/Levels

Winter Outdoor Water Use (November 1 to April 30)

No restrictions in place.

Summer Outdoor Water Use (May 1 to October 31)

Odd numbered homes:

Thursdays

Sundays

Outdoor water use

6 am to 9 am
or 7 pm to 10 pm

6 am to 9 am
or 7 pm to 10 pm

Automatic irrigation

2 am to 5 am

2 am to 5 am

Even numbered homes:

Wednesdays

Saturdays

Outdoor water use

6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Automatic irrigation

2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

2 a.m.to 5 a.m.

Hand watering may be done at any time when using a watering container or a hose with a spring-loaded trigger spray nozzle to water flower beds and vegetable gardens or for newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Water Conservation Advisory

Increased community alerts for water conservation.

Hand watering may be done at any time when using a watering container or a hose with a spring-loaded trigger spray nozzle to water flower beds and vegetable gardens or for newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established.

Partial Outdoor Water Ban

Odd numbered homes:

Thursdays

Outdoor water use

6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Automatic irrigation

2 am to 5 am

Even numbered homes:

Wednesdays

Outdoor water use

6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Automatic irrigation

2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Complete Outdoor Water Ban

Actions include prohibiting outdoor water use and further actions as deemed necessary by the CAO.

Publications & Forms

Town of Okotoks Water Supply and Outdoor Use FAQ
FAQ Reducing Outdoor Water Usage
Water Bylaw 24-18
Operations Centre
100-1118 North Railway Street Okotoks, AB
Sun: Closed
Mon - Fri: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Due to COVID-19, the Operations Centre remains CLOSED to the public. Services will continue to be available by phone, email, or online until further notice.
  • General Inquiries: 403-938-4372 Contact Online
    After Hours Emergency: 403-938-2985
More Information
Municipal Centre
Environment & Sustainability
5 Elizabeth Street Okotoks AB  T1S 1K1  
Sun: Closed
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: Closed
More Information