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April 26, 2007
Concern for the long term viability of Alberta’s water supply is growing. The City’s 2005/08 Strategic Plan identifies the importance of maintaining an ecologically sound environment. The City is committed to adopting a conservation and reduction ethic that will reduce environmental impact on our city.
The Water Conservation Strategy will address the following issues:
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unpredictable water supply due to Wclimate change or water allocation limits
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continued population growth and costs associated with expanded infrastructure
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increased economic development
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increasingly stringent environmental regulations
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increased energy and resource use during treatment processes
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increased competition for available water
1. What is water conservation?
Conserving water means reducing the amount of water we waste and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the water we use. The Water Conservation Strategy identifies many ways that residents, businesses, institutions and The City can conserve water.
2. Why do we need a water conservation strategy?
Our water supplies are limited and continued population and economic growth is expected to increase our demand for water. The Water Conservation Strategy is a proactive step to ensure Red Deer continues to have enough water for years to come.
3. Who will the water conservation strategy impact?
Water use in Red Deer is divided between residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and municipal groups. The Water Conservation Strategy identifies water conservation opportunities for all water users.
4. When will the water conservation strategy be in effect?
The Water Conservation Strategy is a long term plan designed to reduce water use over the next five to 10 years. If approved by City Council, some of the initiatives could start in 2008; however, some proposed options will require additional time to develop and could be phased in over the next five years.
5. How much water do we need to save?
The City set a goal to reduce water use by 20 per cent below 2006 levels in the next five to 10 years. If all the conservation initiatives proposed in the Water Conservation Strategy are approved, The City expects to meet this goal.
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For more information, please contact:
Pam Vust Tom Marstaller
Environmental Initiatives Coordinator Environmental Services Manager
The City of Red Deer The City of Red Deer
(403) 342-8750 (403) 342-8750
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