Dirty-car drivers rejoice: water conservation request ends
MAYOR RESPONDS TO CRITICISMS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The voluntary water conservation request in Lethbridge and area has ended.
And while Mayor Chris Spearman was thankful for local residents who took the request to conserve water seriously, he noted some pushback from local residents on social media who were critical of the decision.
“In the world of social media, people have an increased sense of democracy,” he said. “People question the competence of some of the people who were trained to work with water.
“We’re dealing with the best people possible. We’re involving the health authority. We need to make sure we are providing clean, potable water to the community.”
On Friday, the city issued a voluntary water conservation order due to a quick melt and ice jams in the Oldman River, causing high turbidity.
This made the water difficult to treat at the Water Treatment Plant.
By Sunday, crews were working to restore water reserves and the voluntary conservation request continued.
Spearman said in 2014 the City did not respond until a boil-water order was issued. At the time, the City was within hours of running out of potable water, and that the order helped the City avoid depleting supplies and recover inventories.
“Three years ago, we had a serious situation where we had to declare a boil-water order,” he said. “I think people learned from that. When we say ‘conserve,’ we are serious about it.
“It’s important that we don’t impact some of the crucial services in our city. In 2014, we had to cancel hospital surgeries because of the boil-water order.” Spearman said all sectors of the city are asked to cut back on nonessential use when conservation efforts are needed.
“If it’s not essential, and you can postpone the use for a few days, please do that. It’s very important.”
Some residents on social media made statements about ignoring the conservation request, when Spearman said what was needed was full community effort.
“It’s disappointing to hear some of the skeptics saying it’s not a serious problem, and (they) are going to wash (their) car anyway,” he said. “That’s a real issue. We need the whole community coming together.”
Spearman said there is no argument to be made regarding limiting business and industrial water use in the city during shortages.
“I don’t buy the argument,” he said. “Everybody has to chip in. Everybody has to avoid discretionary use of water. Food production is important, too. I think we have to look at what our priorities are, and the community has to get together.”