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No Water Woes In Lethbridge So Far This Summer

Jul 5, 2016 | 10:31 AM

LETHBRIDGE – While there hasn’t been any water restrictions or advisories issued in Lethbridge this year, that doesn’t mean the city wants residents to forget about the importance of water quality and quantity.

With summer in full swing, Stephanie Vehnon, Communications for the City’s Waterwaste Department, said she wants residents to think about how to efficiently maintain a healthy lawn while being mindful of water use.

“There are a lot of tricks for learning how to conserve water, such as laying a Frisbee upside down on the lawn. When the Frisbee is full that’s all the water that is needed, only about an inch a week.”

Vehnon also suggested avoiding mowing the lawn too frequently and to hold off on raking lawn clippings as leftover grass cools the surface and helps to lock in moisture.

The city has listed several conservation tips at: http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/water-wastewater/Pages/Reduce%20Your%20Water%20Bill.aspx.

Residents can also go online and see how their water utility bill stacks up against other neighbourhood averages, which can be found here – http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/water-wastewater/Pages/Don%27t%20Rush%20the%20Flush.aspx

Conserving water is one thing, but the responsibility of conserving water that is clean and free from waste is another.

When it comes to water quality, the city harbours the slogan “Don’t rush, think before you flush.”

Vehnon explained that several steps are required to treat wastewater and that process is compromised when materials unfit for waterwaste are flushed down the drain.

“In the house there are several items that are never meant to be flushed with the potential for negative environmental impacts and costly impacts for home owners and water plants. Some of the big ones are: fats, oils and grease, rags, bathroom wipes and paper towels, feminine hygiene products and hair.”

Vehnon added that residents should be weary of any products that claim to be flushable.

Wastewater management also takes into account the state of storm drains.

To promote stormwater awareness and to speak towards wastewater, the city will host a “yellow fish blitz” on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Residents are invited to join crews that will paint yellow fish near city storm drains.

For more information on the wastewater treatment process visit:. http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/water-wastewater/Pages/Wastewater-Treatment-Process.aspx.