As we draw closer to the summer months and enter gardening season, the Town of Cochrane is reminding residents of the outdoor water restrictions in place.

Level one restrictions are in effect all year round, to help conserve water.

Residents are reminded that watering outside is only permitted between the hours of  5 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Town officials recommend watering flower beds and vegetable gardens with a watering can or hose with a trigger for better control and conservation. They say that lawns only need about one inch of water each week, and they're advising residents using sprinklers to limit their use to 15 minutes or less per section of lawn.

Children can absolutely enjoy the use of sprinklers, pools and water toys with supervision, and officials remind parents to turn off the water once they're finished.

The Town of Cochrane continues to monitor our water supply and will increase the water restriction to level two or three in the event of declining and unrecoverable treated water storage volumes.

Level two restrictions mostly prohibit outdoor use with the exception of watering flowerbeds with a handheld watering can or hose nozzle with a controlled trigger. 

If the Town moves to level three, residents are advised not to use water outside. Water pressure will also be reduced as required and approved by the Cochrane Fire Department.