Town council has asked staff for a report on water capacity after a Park Rill Road resident applied for irrigation water for his 10.6-acre property.
Council reviewed the Walsh application recently. The property owner currently receives domestic water from the Town, but relies on an oxbow (marsh) for his irrigation water. However, he has been experiencing ongoing supply problems and would like to secure a reliable water source.
Staff noted that the recent completion of the water-twinning project has freed up more capacity in system 1, where more than 100 homes have switched from irrigation to domestic water.
Steve Underwood from TRUE Consulting indicated he is confident there is enough capacity because of the twinning.
During the past few years the Town has seen a trend where property owners have been asking for irrigation water in low lying areas.
Applicants would be required to pay for the cost of installing a service connection, in addition to an administration fee of $3,000.
Water councillor Andre Miller said he had difficulty with the Walsh application, noting that people have made similar requests in the past but were refused by council.
Miller suggested that Walsh dig a well for his water.
But Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said Walsh tried drilling a well but was unsuccessful after spending $10,000.
Water councillor Rick Machial said he was in favour of this application, but wanted the Town to revisit the people who were denied in the past.
“We might have enough water to accommodate all of the requests. If we have the capacity, we should allow it. It would give the Town more revenue.”
