Water conservation

Since 2007, Cochrane has reduced daily water use by 36 per cent, thanks to the community’s collective efforts to conserve water. 

Let’s keep going. Together, we can strengthen Cochrane’s water resiliency and protect this vital resource for future generations.

Water conservation rebates

Find rebates for water conservation efforts and learn how to apply.

Water rates

Learn how Cochrane’s three-tier water rate system works.

Household water use

See how much water the average household uses and find ways to reduce.

Current water restriction

Level one water restrictions are in effect year-round to avoid watering in the warmest parts of the day. You may water outside before 10 a.m., or after 7 p.m.

Level one watering restrictions in effect.

Water restrictions

Level one water restrictions are in effect year-round to avoid watering in the warmest parts of the day. Outdoor watering is allowed only before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Cochrane’s Water Utility Bylaw 04/2013 outlines rules and regulations for hydrants, utility accounts, rates and billing, water conservation (including time-of-day watering restrictions), plumbing fixtures, water quality and bulk water.

To help us manage our resources effectively and sustainably, Cochrane has three water restriction levels with specific rules for water use. These restrictions are directly tied to the current status of Cochrane’s water reservoirs.  

If treated water storage volumes decline due to issues like drought or a mechanical breakdown at the water treatment plant, we may increase water restrictions to level two or three. This ensures water storage levels are protected until the problem is resolved. Our priority is ensuring there’s enough water for indoor use, fire protection and replenishing reservoir storage volumes.  

Level one: careful use

Level one watering restrictions are in effect year-round to promote water conservation and reduce outdoor water use during the warmest parts of the day. 

Permitted watering times:

Sprinklers and automated irrigation systems can be used before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Exceptions: 

Flower beds and vegetable gardens can be watered by hand at any time using a watering can or hose with a trigger nozzle to control water flow.
Sprinklers and water toys (including kiddie pools) can be used for recreational purposes as long as children are present.

All irrigation schedules for parks and ball fields require approval from the Town of Cochrane, including site and condition-specific requests.

Level two: prohibited outdoor use

Level two water restrictions are implemented to reduce outdoor water use and ensure compliance with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas requirements. 

What’s prohibited:

No use of sprinklers or automated irrigation systems.
No washing of vehicles, sidewalks, driveways or home exteriors.
No filling of hot tubs or pools or using children’s water toys.

What’s allowed:

Hand-watering flower beds and vegetable gardens using a watering can or hose with a trigger-controlled nozzle.

Additional measures:

Non-domestic bulk water sales may be limited or suspended.
Site-specific and condition-specific watering for new plants or sod may be permitted under certain conditions with Town approval.

When are level two restrictions lifted?

The decision to lift level two restrictions is based on such factors as:

customer demand
potable water reservoir levels
water distribution system operations

Level three: essential use

Level three water restrictions are enacted as an emergency water conservation measure to protect Cochrane’s water reservoir levels and maintain potable water supply for fire protection and basic personal and premise hygiene.

During a level three water restriction:

All level two restrictions remain in effect.
Residents must immediately reduce household water use by the percentage and volume announced in the public notice at the time of declaration.
Further reductions may be requested or enforced as needed.

Our commitment to water conservation

Cochrane is dedicated to protecting our water resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. Here’s how we’re making a difference.

What we've done:

Updated Water Utility Bylaw — Council approved changes to the Water Utility Bylaw 04/2013, offering clearer guidelines for water restrictions, increased operational flexibility during emergencies and expanded irrigation time frames.
Investing in sustainability — Increased funding has supported the Water Loss Mitigation program, water conservation initiatives, community rebates and additional staff. 
Measurable success:
- Cochrane used only 65 per cent of our allocated water licence in 2023, highlighting strong community conservation efforts.
- Daily water use per capita has decreased by 36 per cent since 2007 — from 400 to 255 litres.
- The Water Loss Mitigation program (launched in 2023) recovered 71 million litres of water — equivalent to the annual use of 376 Cochrane households.
Long-term vision: 
- Cochrane has had metered water systems for five decades and has applied tiered water rates since 2007.
- We’ve recently acquired a new water licence and continue to pursue additional licences to support growth and future water needs.

What we're doing:

Cochrane remains steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. We’re focused on reducing water use by five to 10 per cent during severe drought conditions, in line with the Government of Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

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