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Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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BYLAW 3378-25
OF THE CITY OF CAMROSE
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
A Bylaw to govern water restriction measures during times of water shortage and to
encourage water conservation.
WHEREAS the City of Camrose deems it advisable and necessary to make provisions for the
restriction of the use of water and for the protection of the supply of water;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, Chapter M-26, as
amended, a municipality is authorized to pass bylaws for municipal purposes respecting services
provided by or on behalf of the municipality, as well as to enforce those bylaws.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Camrose, duly
assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. This Bylaw is called the "Water Restrictions Bylaw".
2. Definitions
2.1.
"City" means the City of Camrose.
2.2.
"Council" means the Mayor and Councillors of the City, both together and individually.
2.3.
"City Manager" means the individual appointed by the Council to the position of Chief
Administrative Officer as per the Municipal Government Act or designate.
2.4.
"Customer" means any individual, business or organization that receives Potable
water from the City.
2.5.
"Non-Potable" means water that is not safe for human consumption.
2.6.
"Peace Officer" means a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a member
of the Camrose Police Service, or a special constable.
2.7.
"Potable" means water that is safe for human consumption.
2.8.
"Regional Customer" means a Customer that is not located within the municipal
boundaries of the City, but which receives Potable or Non-Potable water from the City.
2.9.
"Stage" means the Stages 0, 1, 2, 3, and as prescribed in Schedule "B" of this Bylaw.
2.10. "Violation Ticket" means a ticket issued under Part 2 of the Provincial Offences
Procedure Act, RSA 2000, c. P-34.
2.11. "Water Use Restrictions" means the restrictions prescribed in Schedule "B" of this
Bylaw.
3. Purpose and Application
3.1.
A reference in this Bylaw to a bylaw, statute or regulation means the statute or
regulation as amended, replaced or in effect from time to time.
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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3.2.
In this Bylaw, words used in the singular shall include the plural and the plural the
singular, except where the context requires otherwise.
3.3.
Words in this Bylaw have the same meaning as those set out in the Municipal
Government Act, except for the definition defined in this Bylaw.
3.4.
The headings in this Bylaw are for convenience only and must not be construed as
defining or in away limiting the scope or intent of the provisions of this Bylaw.
4. Restricting Water Supplies
4.1.
Where the City Manager determines it necessary to impose restrictions on the amount
of water used within the City, the City Manager may declare a "state of water shortage".
4.2.
When the City Manager has declared a state of water shortage:
4.2.1.
the City Manager may impose a water restriction stage, as set out in
Schedule "B" of this Bylaw.
4.2.2.
The City Manager shall not be required to impose levels of restriction in
successive stages but may proceed to impose any level of restriction the
City Manager has determined is warranted due to the prevailing condition
of the water supply.
4.3.
When the City Manager has declared a state of water shortage, residential,
commercial, industrial, or institutional water users may only use City-supplied water in
a manner consistent with the Bylaw. This shall apply equally to all Regional Customers
outside the City limits, unless alternative arrangements are made between the regional
customer and the City.
4.4.
The "state of water shortage" shall remain in effect until the City Manager declares that
the risk to the overall water supply has dropped below an acceptable level, at the
discretion of the City Manager.
4.5.
The Water Use Restrictions applicable to each Stage, as set out in Schedule 'B' of this
Bylaw, shall be complied with during the time that the respective Stage is in effect
pursuant to this Bylaw.
5. Water Conservation Strategies
5.1.
The City provides water to all Customers through the City's distribution system for
potable water, through a bulk water station, or through a regional water line.
5.2.
At times when the overall water supply is at risk, the City will undertake the following:
5.2.1.
assist all Customers in conserving water by providing information that will
encourage water conservation;
5.2.2.
encourage commercial, industrial, and institutional Customers to implement
measures to conserve water; and
5.2.3.
manage the overall supply of water in the City in order to comply with the
requirements of all water storage facilities and of all consumers in the region
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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through regulation, restriction, and/or prohibiting the use of water, as set out
in this Bylaw.
6. Exemptions
6.1.
Exemptions and special cases to the regulations in this Bylaw are prescribed in
Schedules "B" and "D".
7. Contravention
7.1.
Where the City has reasonable grounds to believe a contravention of this Bylaw has
occurred, a Peace Officer may:
7.1.1.
issue a verbal and/or written warning to the person violating this Bylaw;
7.1.2.
issue a Violation Ticket to the person violating this Bylaw.
7.2.
A Violation Ticket issued pursuant to this Bylaw shall be served by the following means:
7.2.1.
delivery (by hand or by mail) of the Violation Ticket to the residence of the
person violating this Bylaw; or
7.2.2.
to the registered owner of the property which is in violation of this Bylaw.
7.3.
If a Violation Ticket is issued in respect of an offence, the Violation Ticket may:
7.3.1.
specify the fine amount established by this Bylaw for the offence; or
7.3.2.
require a person to appear in court without the alternative of making a
voluntary payment.
7.4.
A person who commits an offence may make a voluntary payment equal to the
specified fine, if:
7.4.1.
a Violation Ticket is issued in respect of the offence; and
7.4.2.
the Violation Ticket specifies the fine amount established by this Bylaw for
the offence.
7.5.
For the purposes of this Bylaw, a subsequent conviction means a conviction for an
offence for which the offence occurs after the date of conviction of an earlier offence
under this Bylaw.
8. Right of Entry and Inspections
8.1.
The City Manager may enter into or upon any Property within the City, pursuant to
authority set out in the Municipal Government Act, for the purpose of ensuring
compliance with this Bylaw.
9. Violation Tickets and Penalties
9.1.
Where a Peace Officer believes that a person has contravened any provision of this
Bylaw, they may commence proceedings by issuing a Violation Ticket in accordance
with Provincial Offences Procedure Act, RSA 2000, C P-34.
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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9.2.
A Peace Officer may issue, by personal service, a Violation Ticket, in a form as
approved by the City, to any person alleged to have contravened any provision of this
Bylaw.
9.3.
The penalty in lieu of prosecution payable in respect of a contravention of this Bylaw,
to be indicated on any such Violation Ticket issued, is the amount specified in
Schedules "D" and "E" of this Bylaw.
9.4.
The specified penalties payable in respect of a contravention of a provision of this
Bylaw are the amounts shown on Schedules "D" and "E" of this Bylaw in respect of
that provision. Notwithstanding Schedules "D" and "E", a contravention of a provision
of this Bylaw will attract a minimum penalty of $250 and a maximum penalty of
$10,000.
9.5.
Nothing in this Bylaw shall prevent a Peace Officer from issuing a Violation Ticket for
the mandatory Court appearance of any person who contravenes any provision of this
Bylaw.
10. Offence
10.1. A person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence.
11. Continuing Offence
11.1. In the case of an offence that is of a continuing nature, a contravention constitutes a
separate offence in respect of each day, or part of a day, on which the offence
continues.
12. Enforcement
12.1. In addition to the fines, which may be issued under this Bylaw, the City may seek an
Order of Court granting an injunction or any other order necessary to enforce
compliance. The City may seek full recovery of such legal costs either through the
court system or by placing the costs of such action to the customer's utility bill.
13. Corporations and Partnerships
13.1. When a corporation commits an offence under this Bylaw, every principal director,
manager, employee, or agent of the corporation who authorized the act or omission
that constitutes an offence or assented to or acquiesced or participated in the act or
omission that constitutes the offence is guilty of the offence whether or not the
corporation has been prosecuted for the offence.
13.2. If a partner in a partnership is guilty of an offence under this Bylaw, each partner in
that partnership who authorized the act or omission that constitutes the offence or
assented to or acquiesced or participated in the act or omission that constitutes an
offence is guilty of the offence.
14. Obstruction
14.1. A person shall not obstruct or hinder any person in the exercise or performance of the
persons' powers or duties pursuant to this Bylaw.
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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14.2. It shall be considered an offence under this Bylaw to interfere, obstruct or hinder any
person authorized by the City Manager in the exercise or performance of the person's
powers pursuant to this Bylaw.
15. Powers of the City Manager
15.1. Without restricting any other power, duty, or function granted by this Bylaw, the City
Manager may:
15.1.1.
carry out any inspections to determine compliance with this Bylaw;
15.1.2.
take any steps or carry out any actions required to enforce this Bylaw;
15.1.3.
establish investigation and enforcement procedures with respect to the
residential, commercial, industrial, or other types of property that may differ
depend on the type of property;
15.1.4.
establish areas where activities restricted by this Bylaw are permitted;
15.1.5.
establish forms for the purpose of this Bylaw;
15.1.6.
issue Permits with such terms and conditions as are deemed appropriate;
15.1.7.
establish the criteria to be met for a Permit pursuant to this Bylaw; and
15.1.8.
delegate any powers, duties, or functions under this Bylaw to an employee
of the City.
16. Severability
16.1. Every provision of this Bylaw is independent of all other provisions and if any provision
of this Bylaw is declared invalid for any reason by a Court of competent jurisdiction, all
other provisions of this Bylaw shall remain valid and enforceable.
17. Repeal
17.1. Bylaw #2494/06 and any amendments thereto are hereby repealed upon passage of
Bylaw 3378-25.
18. Effective Date
18.1. This Bylaw shall come into force upon third and final reading.
READ a FIRST time in COUNCIL this 7th day of July, A.D. 2025.
READ a SECOND time in COUNCIL this 7th day of July, A.D. 2025.
READ a THIRD time in COUNCIL this 7th day of July, A.D. 2025.
MAYOR
GENERAL MANAGER, CORPORATE
SERVICES
Original Signed by B. Hillson
Original Signed by Mayor Stasko
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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SCHEDULE "A"
Water Shortage Stages
Trigger Point:
Reservoir Storage
(Days until "Available
Storage" reaches zero)
Water Shortage Stage
Response Target:
Water Use Reduction Goal
(as % of normal water use)
> 120 days
Stage 0 - Watch
0 to 5%
60 - 120 days
Stage 1 - Warning
5 to 15%
30 - 60 days
Stage 2 - Critical
15 to 25%
< 30 days*
Stage 3 - Emergency Measures
25 to 33%, or more
*Note: Once the amount of "available storage" reaches zero (0) days, the Province of Alberta may
impose mandatory restrictions on the City's diversion of water from Driedmeat Lake. As such, the
purpose of the various Water Restriction Stages is to reduce City water use to delay the timing of
when the Province might impose those restrictions on the City for as long as possible. Whether
the City's diversion from the lake is actually restricted will depend primarily on the flow within the
Battle River, as measured at the Water Survey of Canada Station #05FA011, as outlined further
in the City's Water Shortage Response Plan.
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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SCHEDULE "B"
Water Shortage Stage Restrictions
Stage 0 Water Shortage - Watch
Restrictions Imposed:
None at this stage.
Stage 1 Water Shortage - Warning
Restrictions Imposed:
Watering of lawns
o Odd numbered addresses may water lawns on odd numbered days.
o Even numbered addresses may water lawns on even numbered days.
o Notwithstanding the above, watering may occur only between the hours of
6:00am and 9:00am, or between the hours of 7:00pm and 11:00pm.
Flowerbeds and gardens may be watered manually at any time, provided that the
watering is done using a watering can, or with a hose with a nozzle with a trigger
shut off to restrict water flow.
Sprinklers and water toys may be used for recreational purposes by children as
long as children are actively playing, including a pool with a capacity not more than
1,000 litres.
Decorative outdoor water features must be turned off.
The City will work directly with Regional Customers to impose water restrictions
consistent with the Response Targets outlined in Schedule "A", in accordance with
the terms of the respective water services agreements between the City and that
Regional Customer.
Exemptions:
These restrictions do not apply to the use of water that has been drawn from a rain
barrel or other storage device which has been filled solely from rainwater, or Non-
Potable water that has been recycled (e.g. commercial car washes).
Exemptions for newly laid sod are outlined in Schedule "C".
Stage 1 water restrictions for City of Camrose municipal operations will apply, as
outlined in the Water Restrictions Administrative Policy.
Stage 2 Water Shortage - Critical
Restrictions Imposed:
All non-essential outdoor Potable water use is prohibited. This includes but is not
limited to the use of Potable water for the following activities:
o Watering of lawns
o Washing cars
o Washing sidewalks or driveway pads
o Washing fences or the exteriors of buildings
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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o The recreational use of sprinklers and water toys
o The filling or re-filling of outdoor swimming pools
Flowerbeds and gardens may be watered manually, at any time using a watering
can or a hose with a nozzle with a trigger shut off to restrict water flow.
The City will work directly with Regional Customers to impose water restrictions
consistent with the Response Targets outlined in Schedule "A", in accordance with
the terms of the respective water services agreements between the City and that
Regional Customer.
Exemptions:
These restrictions do not apply to the use of water that has been drawn from a rain
barrel or other storage device which has been filled solely from rainwater, or Non-
Potable water that has been recycled (e.g. commercial car washes).
Exemptions for newly laid sod are outlined in Schedule "C".
Stage 2 water restrictions for City of Camrose municipal operations will apply, as
outlined in the Water Restrictions Administrative Policy.
Stage 3 Water Shortage - Emergency Measures
Restrictions Imposed:
All outdoor Potable water use is prohibited.
Bulk water sales are suspended.
The City will work directly with Regional Customers to impose water restrictions
consistent with the Response Targets outlined in Schedule "A", in accordance with
the terms of the respective water services agreements between the City and that
Regional Customer.
Exemptions:
These restrictions do not apply to the use of water that has been drawn from a rain
barrel or other storage device which has been filled solely from rainwater, or non-
potable water that has been recycled (e.g. commercial car washes).
Stage 3 water restrictions for City of Camrose municipal operations will apply, as
outlined in the Water Restrictions Administrative Policy.
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SCHEDULE "C"
Exemptions for Newly Laid Sod
1. In relation to this Bylaw, there are exemptions to the water restriction stages which include
new sod.
2. Residents will be able to water their newly laid sod for all stages up to and including Stage 2
in this Bylaw. If Stage 3 occurs, any new sod may not be watered since the emergency water
use stage has been implemented.
3. New Sod Care Watering Instructions (not applicable for Stage 3 water restrictions)
3.1. Water the soil approximately twenty-four (24) hours before the sod arrives. This will
create moisture reserves in the soil. Water well enough in advance so that the soil surface
will not be wet and soggy when the sod does arrive.
3.2. On the day the sod is laid, water in the evening between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
3.3. Water the sod just to the run-off point; do not leave the sprinkler running. Sod needs
frequent, light watering to get established.
3.4. For the next few days, watering once a day should be enough and the sod should have
achieved a knit (root growth).
3.5. For the next two weeks, water once per day for two or three days per week, depending
on the weather. No additional watering of the sod is needed when the sod is naturally
watered as a result of precipitation.
3.6. After three weeks, the sod should be established, and watering once per week would be
sufficient (to a maximum of 1 to 2 inches of water per watering).
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SCHEDULE "D"
Residential Premises Penalties
Section
Offence
Specified Penalty
(First Offence)
Specified Penalty
(Subsequent Offence)
4.5
Contravening Stage 1
Water Use Restrictions
$250.00
$500.00
4.5
Contravening Stage 2
Water Use Restrictions
$500.00
$1,000.00
4.5
Contravening Stage 3
Water Use Restrictions
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
Bylaw 3378-25 - Water Restrictions Bylaw
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SCHEDULE "E"
Commercial. Industrial, or Institutional Premises Penalties
Section
Offence
Specified Penalty
(First Offence)
Specified Penalty
(Subsequent Offence)
4.5
Contravening Stage 1
Water Use Restrictions
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
4.5
Contravening Stage 2
Water Use Restrictions
$5,000.00
$10,000.00
4.5
Contravening Stage 3
Water Use Restrictions
$10,000.00
$10,000.00