Water, Conservation and Wastewater

• Ease of Use: Tree bags provide a hassle-free solution for watering trees, ensuring that hydration is delivered directly to the roots with minimal effort.
• Less Maintenance: With the capacity to hold water for up to a week, tree bags require less frequent refilling, allowing our team to focus on other essential tasks.
• Prevention of Underwatering and Overwatering: By delivering water directly to the roots, tree bags mitigate the risks of both underwatering and overwatering, promoting optimal growth conditions for newly planted trees.
• Drought Resilience: Tree bags serve as a vital resource in safeguarding heat-sensitive trees against the adverse effects of drought, maintaining their health and vitality even during periods of water scarcity.

• Water Conservation: Our self-watering hanging baskets and planters are designed to minimize water wastage by ensuring that only the required amount of water is used, thanks to their integrated reservoirs and slow-release mechanisms.
• Nutrient Retention: These planters prevent the loss of nutrients commonly associated with traditional watering methods, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the need for additional fertilization.
• Healthy Root Growth: The consistent hydration provided by self-watering planters promotes robust root development, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of plants.
• Convenience: Once filled, self-watering planters can sustain plants for extended periods, meaning less frequent waterings.

Root Rescue is a proprietary blend of mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria formulated to enhance plant growth and vitality. When applied to plant roots, Root Rescue establishes symbiotic relationships, significantly increasing nutrient and water uptake. This results in healthier, more resilient plants with improved resistance to stressors such as drought, disease, and transplant shock.

• Recycled Water Benefits: By utilizing stormwater ponds and hydrant flushing water for watering purposes, we harness recycled water resources, reducing our reliance on potable water sources and minimizing strain on municipal water systems.
• Sustainable Water Management: This practice promotes sustainable water management practices by repurposing runoff and hydrant flushing water to nourish trees and flowers, enhancing the ecological health of our community while conserving precious freshwater resources.

• Early Morning Watering: The town's landscaping and maintenance crews are scheduled to start their watering activities early in the morning. This shift in work hours helps ensure that town vegetation receives adequate water during the most effective times of the day.
• Deep Watering Techniques: Deep watering is especially important during a drought because it reduces plant stress by delivering water directly to the roots, enhancing soil health through increased microbial activity, nutrient uptake, and improved soil structure and fertility, which helps plants better withstand dry conditions.

Municipal Landscaping Practices: The Town of Olds has been mulching new trees, shrub beds, and certain flower beds in public areas for many years and plans to continue to do so. This practice is part of the town’s strategy to conserve water, retain soil moisture, and improve the health of its greenery.

The Town is responsible to provide an adequate outlet for storm water generated within the town boundary and provide for protection of downstream landowners as directed by Alberta Environment & Parks. The storm water system is maintained by Operations and directed by Utilities Policy 501c. This includes inspections of all:

• Storm grates after any rainfall event;
• Flushing (regular program) storm water, underground system;
• Regular maintenance of open drainage and monitoring system; and
• Discharge or outfalls from storm water management are regulated by Alberta Environment and Parks.
• The areas of responsibility are sewer line blockages, lift station failure, manhole covers ajar or off, as well as sewer mains that need regular flushing and cleaning.

Water System

The Town continues to actively find, investigate, and repair water lines to reduce our water losses. This is an ongoing focus with our water distribution system within our aging underground infrastructure.

The Town is responsible for the supply, distribution and fire protection supply of potable water to Olds’ residents, businesses and industries. The Utilities function is responsible for the maintenance and certified operation of the water supply system as outlined by Alberta Environment and Parks, Code of Practice - solely for operating a distribution system.

There are two reservoirs within the Town of Olds, one with 2,000,000 gallons and the other with 500,000 gallons, and pump houses that shall be routinely inspected and water consumption readings taken.

Residents in the Town of Olds receive their water from the Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission a safe, reliable source of potable water for our citizens. The Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission owns and operates the Anthony Henday Water Treatment Plant, which is situated on the banks of the Red Deer River northwest of Innisfail. The Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission at its discretion may impose Water Restrictions on its member communities at any time.

The Town of Olds’ first wastewater treatment plant was installed in the 1950s. Throughout the decades numerous upgrades were made to the sewage plant until it saw its “last flush” on July 30, 2015. The Wastewater Treatment Plant was decommissioned soon after.  Wastewater in the Town of Olds is now transferred through the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission which brings untreated wastewater to the City of Red Deer sewage facilities for treatment and disposal. The South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRDRWC) is composed of the Towns of Olds, Bowden, Innisfail, and Penhold, Mountain View County and Red Deer County. The SRDRWC Wastewater Transmission system allows for untreated wastewater from each of the 6 (six) member communities to be treated to higher standards at the City of Red Deer Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. This helps protect the aquatic environment and the quality of source water for much of Central Alberta.

The Town of Olds currently operates and maintains 3 wastewater lift stations which are used to move wastewater from lower to higher elevations, where natural gravity flow decreases. 

Why Are We Replacing Water Meters?

Many of the current water meters are aging and may no longer provide precise readings, leading to potential discrepancies. The new meters will feature advanced technology that allows for real-time data collection, enabling the Town to identify leaks and address issues more efficiently. In addition, the new meters will allow for enhanced customer service.

Why Am I Being Charged a Fee?

Most of the water meters in town are reaching the end of their service life, prompting the Town to initiate a multi-year replacement project. In the past, funds had not been set aside specifically for meter replacements. The fee structure was designed to cover the cost of each meter over its lifespan. The new meters will provide benefits for both the Town and residents, including improved billing accuracy and enhanced leak detection on both sides of the meter. The replacement costs are based on the rates set out in the Town’s Rates Bylaw and follow a 20-year cycle, determined by the size of the water meter.

Will My Water Bill Increase?

While the new meters ensure accurate readings, they may detect previously unrecorded usage, which could affect your bill.  

The cost of the meter and installation is factored into your monthly bill through the Water Meter Replacement Fee. No additional costs beyond this will be incurred by residents.

Water Meter Replacement Rates

Rates Bylaw: 2024-14

Meter Size       Rate

¾”                    $3.50/month (Majority of residential customers)

1”                     $5.50/month

.5”                    $6.50/month

2”                     $7.50/month

3”                     $11.00/month

4”                     $12.50/month

6”                     $26.50/month

8”                     $36.50/month

How Will the Program Work?

Phased in Approach: Approximately 640 residents have been chosen as a part of Phase 1 to replace their household water meter. 

1. Installation by Professionals: The Town has partnered with Metercor to complete the installations. All technicians will be trained, insured, and carry proper identification.
2. Minimal Disruption: Replacing a water meter is a simple process that may require the water to be shut off, typically for less than one hour.
3. Cost: The cost of the meter and installation is now factored into your monthly bill through the Water Meter Replacement Fee. No additional costs beyond this will be incurred by residents.

When Will the Replacement Happen?

The replacement program will roll out in phases. Phase 1 will have an anticipated start date of May and is expected to be completed by September. Residents whose meters will be replaced during Phase 1 will be notified well in advance of their scheduled replacement date. Appointments will be available during weekdays, evenings, and weekends to accommodate various schedules. Phase 2 will commence in 2026.

Visit our Current Construction webpage for updates on which locations are currently being serviced.

Additional Information and Resources

• Utility changes announcement: Newspaper Advertisements
• Printed information included with the February utility bills. (The information there is similar to what is on this page.) 
• Approved budget changes included in the Council Highlights from December 9
• Radio announcement: Municipal Minute - Audio December 17

If you'd like to stay informed of initiatives and projects, please sign up for our newsletters at olds.ca/subscribe.

What Are the Next Steps?

Watch for Communication: You will receive a notice in the mail and an email (if provided) with instructions to book your appointment.

1. Schedule Your Appointment: You may book your appointment online (add link) or call (add phone) their Calgary office.
2. Prepare Your Property: Before the meter installer arrives, please ensure this area is clear of obstacles to provide adequate working space. An adult at least 18 years of age must be home at the time of the replacement. This person will be asked to verify and sign the service order as confirmation of work completed.
3. What Happens If I Don’t Schedule an Appointment? Metercor and the Town will make several attempts to contact you. Non-compliance may result in additional charges and/or service disruptions.

How Do I Verify the Technician’s Identity?

All technicians will carry official identification. If you are in doubt, contact the Town Office at 403-556-6981.

What are the Benefits of the New Meters?

• Accuracy: Improved billing precision.
• Leak Detection: Early identification of potential leaks.
• Efficiency: Streamlined meter reading process.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns about the water meter replacement program, please contact: Phone: 403-556-6981 Email: operations@olds.ca

Alberta is at risk of droughts and water shortages. Everyone can help do their part.

During Summer 2023, several water basins reached critical drought conditions due to low rainfall and high temperatures. The Government of Alberta is closely monitoring the situation. 

Visit the Alberta Drought webpage for the most recent updates.

The province has five stages in its water management plan, ranging from Stage 1, a minor drought, to Stage 5, which is a province-wide emergency. As of November 28, 2024, Olds is at Stage 1.

We’re proud to share how we’re making a splash in water conservation by recirculating the water, all while ensuring endless hours of enjoyment for our community in our community Splashpark.

Recirculation for Resourcefulness

Instead of constantly drawing fresh water and sending the water straight down the drain, our splashpark uses a recirculation system that efficiently filters and reuses the water, significantly reducing our water consumption. Good for water conservation and operations!

Water Quality Maintenance

Our dedicated staff at the Olds Aquatic Centre diligently monitor and maintain the water quality to ensure it’s balanced for both safety and sustainability. This creates a safe and enjoyable experience for our visitors and optimizes the efficiency of our recirculation system.

Adhering to High Standards:

Just like a public pool, our Splashpark falls under stringent guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors. Water samples are collected and submitted to Alberta Health Services (AHS) weekly for bacteriological testing.

Join us in making a splash for water conservation this summer!  Together, we can create lasting memories while preserving our most precious resource. See you at the Splashpark!

• All potable water comes from the municipal system, but the Olds College has multiple sources of water.
• Animal Use: The Olds College has 4 licensed wells in Mountain View County it uses for all animal water usage. No municipal water is used for this purpose.
• Irrigation / Landscaping: The Olds College collects stormwater in several dugouts throughout campus that then gets pumped to its irrigation systems for crops and lawn care. No municipal water is used for this purpose.

Alberta’s government is working closely with communities like Olds, to conserve and manage water for current and future water shortages. Alberta’s government continues to observe the situation through a network of water and snowpack monitoring stations. Information on current conditions is updated regularly on the Alberta River Basins website.

If you are installing new sod or grass seed, please fill out the Water Use Exemption Permit Application to use water outside of the Water Conservation Use Schedule. This is allowable as per Bylaw 2024-17 Water Conservation.

Terms and conditions are as follows:

• For the first 2 weeks of the exemption, you are permitted to water twice daily to achieve a deep soaking of your new or a portion of your lawn and to improve the survivability of the lawn.
• After the first 2 weeks you are permitted to water your new or a portion of your lawn once daily for the duration of the Level 1 water restrictions.
• The Town of Olds has the right to restrict or deny watering exemptions at any time.