Water
The Town operates the Water Treatment Plant and the treated water distribution system in our municipal boundaries. All treated water use is metered.
Our raw water intake is located on the banks of the Oldman River and collects subsurface water. The quality of raw water entering the treatment plant is normally quite high, meaning usually minimal treatment is required.
For water use requirements and water utility rates, please see our Water Utility Services Bylaw and rates below.
Utility Accounts
If you are new to Fort Macleod, moving residences within the town, or moving out of town, you need to keep your information up-to-date with us so you don't miss any utility bills.
Please fill out the utility account application and email it to the Utility Clerk.
The utility account application also has sections if you would like to enroll in the Utility Preauthorized Payment (UPP) program or if you would like your utility bill to come to you electronically.
Per Section 18 of the Town's water bylaw, there are seasonal restrictions to help conserve water and reduce the strain on the system. Excerpts from the bylaw are below:
Section 18.1: During those months where outdoor watering is viable, watering of properties shall be restricted as follows:
Watering of lawns or gardens shall occur on odd and even days in accordance with the last number in the street address. Odd numbered days would be those ending is 1-3-5-7-9 and even numbered days would be those ending in 2-4-6-8-0. All Owners may water on the 31st of the month.
Watering is not permitted between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00, to limit water loss due to evaporation during these hours.
Exemptions to the restrictions as outlined in 40.1(a)(b) are applicable to the following:
- Flowerbeds, vegetable gardens watered by hand, using a Watering can or a hose with a nozzle with trigger shutoff to restrict flow.
- Sprinklers and water toys, inclusive of children’s pools, used for recreational purposes so long as children are present during their use.
Section 18.2: as deemed appropriate by the CAO or designate, the Town may implement staged seasonal Watering prohibitions as follows:
Level 1: all outdoor water use is prohibited, including but not limited to Watering of lawns, washing vehicles and buildings, and use of children’s water toys. The Town, at its discretion, may limit non-domestic bulk water sales. Exemptions are as follows:
- Flowerbeds, vegetable gardens watered by hand, using a Watering can or a hose with a nozzle with trigger shutoff to restrict flow; and
- Hand Watering of new grass seed or sod.
- Business and outdoor water used for health and safety purposes.
Level 2: all prohibitions as listed under Level 1 are applicable with the addition of all bulk water sales. The Town, at its discretion, may implement a closure of the spray park.
Level 3: all prohibitions as listed under Level 1 and 2 are applicable with the addition of further restrictions or prohibitions on specific Non-Residential business operations, as deemed necessary by the CAO or designate. The Town’s outdoor pool shall also be closed during this period.
Section 18.3: during such months, the Town shall communicate any Water Restrictions and/or prohibitions, including their termination, via notices posted to the Town’s website, social media pages, local newspaper, and Voyant Alert.
Section 18.4: any Persons or Owners deemed in contravention of the restrictions and/or prohibitions as outlined in this section are subject to penalties as outlined in Schedule “B”.
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| Residential | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Commerical (All) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| Residential | $40.87 | $40.87 |
| Residential (2-4 Units) | $56.91 | $56.91 |
| Residential (5-8 Units) | $80.85 | $80.85 |
| Residential (9-12 Units) | $103.63 | $103.63 |
| Residential (13+ Units) | $126.98 | $126.98 |
| Out of Town | $47.82 | $47.82 |
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| Commerical | $45.46 | $45.46 |
| Commerical (2-4 Units) | $63.27 | $63.27 |
| Commerical (5-8 Units) | $87.35 | $87.35 |
| Commerical (9-12 Units) | $113.85 | $113.85 |
| Commerical (13+ Units) | $141.64 | $141.64 |
| Institutional | $141.64 | $141.64 |
| Industrial | $45.46 | $45.46 |
| Municipal Property | $45.46 | $45.46 |
| Out of Town | $51.45 | $51.45 |
Sewer
The Town also operates a mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant. Built in 2010, this plant consists of screening, nutrient removal (phosphorus and ammonia), filtering, UV treatment and ultimate disposal to the Oldman River downstream of our raw water intake.
For sewer use requirements and sewer utility rates, please see our Sewer Services Bylaw and rates below.
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| Homes | $44.17 | $50.36 |
| Apartments (per month/unit) | $30.64 | $34.93 |
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| Office, Banks, Retail, Bakery, ect | $44.17 | $50.36 |
| Garages, Doctors, Clinics, ect | $105.05 | $119.75 |
| Restaurants, Legions, Dry Cleaners | $131.90 | $150.36 |
| Industrial Plants | $176.04 | $200.69 |
| Hospital, Nursing Home, School, ect | $219.80 | $250.57 |
| Hotels, Motels (Basic Rate) | $90.37 | $103.03 |
| Hotels, Motels (Per Unit Rate) | $8.93 | $10.18 |
| Car and Truck Wash (Per Bay) | $88.16 | $100.51 |
| Vac Truck Dumping | $183.93 | $209.68 |
Tips - Finding Leaks
Water Meter Check
Your water meter may assist you in detecting a leak in your property. Record your meter reading in the late evening and again in the early morning, or before and after any long period where there is no water use. If the meter dial has moved while there is no water used, you have a leak.
Toilet Check
Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks, with potentially many cubic metres of water leaking undetected. To test, place a few drops of food colouring in your toilets holding tank and wait for 15 to 20 minutes. If the food colouring shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
Water Softener Check
Defective or older water softeners have been known to malfunction, causing excessive water use. Set the timer on your softener so you are aware of when it should be running. If you hear it at other times, it may be operating unnecessarily and require maintenance.
Tips - Obstructed Sewer Lines
Responsibilities
The Town's sewer utility is regulated by Bylaw 1805. Sections 304 and 306 establish the responsibility for clearing blocked service lines. Responsibilities for sewer services is as follows:
- The Town installs the service line from the main to the property line. Therefore, the Town is responsible for maintenance of this portion of the service.
- The landowner is responsible for installing the service line from the property line to the building. Therefore, the landowner is responsible for maintenance of this portion of the service.
Suspected Sewer Blockages
In all cases of a suspected sewer line obstruction, the owner must first contact a qualified plumber to investigate.
- If the source of the blockage is determined to be within the Town's portion of the service line, the Town will either perform the repair, or reimburse the landowner for cost associated with the repair. Please speak with the Town prior to repairs being started.
- If the source of the blockage is on the private side of the service, the landowner is responsible for all repair costs.
