Residents advised to avoid Oldman River, conserve water

The City of Lethbridge says that the high streamflow advisory remains for the Oldman River but assures that its impact remains minimal.

By Tuesday morning, the river reached a flow rate of 615 cubic metres per second, still well under the threshold for overland flooding. The river is expected to peak by Wednesday evening somewhere between 750 and 1,000 m3/s. This is the highest rate the city says they have seen in a few years. Only minimal flooding to low-lying river valley parks and trails are expected.

That being said, the city is asking residents to continue to avoid non-essential water use to assist in relieving pressure for the water treatment plant. the plant had to slow production from 60 million litres per day down to 50 million and make up some of the lost production from local reservoirs. The city ensures that the tap water is safe to drink.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant, which witnesses an average flow of 40 million litres per day, saw a large increase in flow to 100 million litres.

Residents are also advised to stay away from the river and its banks due to potentially unstable ground. A boating advisory is also now in effect. This means residents are asked to avoid walking, playing, floating, kayaking, boating, paddleboarding or swimming in or near the river until conditions improve.

LFES reminds residents to:

• Stay away from the river and riverbanks

• Keep children and pets well back from the water

• Watch for unstable banks, slippery trails and fast-moving water

• Obey all posted signs, barriers and closures

• Never drive, walk or bike through flooded areas

• Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger

City crews are continuously monitoring river conditions to provide updates whenever possible.