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The Eastern Irrigation District has initiated Stage 3 of their Drought Plan, limiting water usage to two-thirds of normal for residents and businesses in Brooks. (Photo: Pattison Media Staff)

City of Brooks asking residents to cut down on water usage

Jun 16, 2023 | 2:19 PM

BROOKS, AB – A water shortage has caused the City of Brooks and surrounding area to be put under water rationing.

The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) has reported a significant drop in river levels, six to eight weeks earlier than usual due to low snowpack and early snowmelt in the region. In turn, the EID has initiated Stage 3 of their Drought Plan, limiting water usage to two-thirds of normal for residents and businesses in Brooks.

The city is asking community members to voluntarily reduce their water usage by one-third, with particular emphasis on minimizing water consumption for yard irrigation.

The city is also closely monitoring the water availability for the City’s raw water irrigation system,which is primarily sourced from Lake Stafford. The EID warned that without a significant reduction in water usage, they may be forced to shut down the raw water irrigation system to protect the local habitat and ecosystem.