On September 23, the City Council of St. Albert, Alberta approved the development of a water conservation bylaw that will come into effect in July 2014. The bylaw will aim to reduce water consumption city-wide to 200 litres or less per person per day by the year 2020.
The bylaw will help meet goals set out by the city’s Environmental Master Plan (EMP) and Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan (WCEPP). It will mandate the installation of low-flow water fixtures in new residential and commercial developments, as well as in any major renovations.
“Environmental stewardship is a key priority for City Council and the stand-alone water conservation bylaw is one of the important ways we can ensure preservation, conservation, and efficient use of this valuable natural resource,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse in a release.
Water efficiency bylaws are common place in Alberta–cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Okotoks have already adopted them. St. Albert’s bylaw will specify maximum flow for toilets, faucets, showerheads, urinals, and public restroom faucets, and will also outline voluntary water conservation measures.
