The City of Lethbridge is asking the public to conserve water. (Photo: Ncn18 | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge asks residents to conserve water as reservoir remains low

May 23, 2025 | 2:03 PM

Although we are not in as bad of a situation as we were last year, the City of Lethbridge is still asking the public to reduce their water usage whenever possible.

Three reservoirs in the region feed the Oldman watershed. Their storage levels, as of Friday morning, May 23, are as follows:

• Oldman Reservoir: 65 per cent full (below normal)
• St. Mary Reservoir: 82 per cent full (above normal)
• Waterton Reservoir: 48 per cent full (normal)

“At first glance, these numbers seem encouraging. And they aren’t terrible,” says the City of Lethbridge. “However, the Oldman Reservoir is the largest of the three and the one that feeds Lethbridge. While it has more storage than a year ago (when it was at 53 per cent), it remains below normal for this time of year.”

The City says that there was less snow on the mountains that feed the Oldman Reservoir, leading to less runoff into rivers and streams.

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The Oldman River Basin, which includes Lethbridge, is listed provincially as Drought Stage 3: Severe Drought.

Environment Canada is calling for warmer-than-average temperatures this summer.

Because of the evolving conditions, the City is asking for peoples’ help.

“As a city, we remain under voluntary water restrictions. We ask everyone to please continue to look for ways to reduce water waste. In 2024, water consumption in Lethbridge dropped by an astounding 14 per cent compared to 2023 volumes. We know you can do it again! Making a conscious effort to reduce your daily water usage has great effects on the overall city consumption,” the City says in a PSA.

Water reservoir levels are updated on the City of Lethbridge website every Friday.

For more information on all things water conservation, including how to make your very own rain barrel, visit https://www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation.

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