Various methods can be used to help alleviate the low water situation facing Lethbridge. Graphic by Justin Sibbet. Three droughts in as many years are keeping Albertans on edge. Currently, the province is in what it refers to as a “stage four” water management shortage, with aims to cut water usage by 20 per cent before 2030. Mark Svenson, manager of engineering and environment with the City of Lethbridge, says this concern is not going away any time soon. “The moisture that we’ve received throughout the year is well below normal,” said Svenson. “The forecast from Environment Canada is also still below normal.” This threat of water rationing has the potential to shut businesses down across the city, despite two recent snowfalls. He says the latest round of moisture will help farmland but has almost no effect on water reserves. “The moisture that we need really is higher up in the mountains,” said Svenson. While rationing may cause problems for residents, local businesses are also gearing up for a challenging spring. The owner of Gas King, Brent Morris, says his business will be able to survive the drought, but it will still be a financial hit. “We’ve got three car washes in Lethbridge and two in Medicine Hat. It generates good volume for us,” said Morris. “It’s good business, so we kind of hate to lose it, but it is what it is.” Morris says his business will not lower employee hours or face layoffs because the car washes are supplemented by his convenience stores and gas stations. Even so, he says he is concerned about the viability of an even playing field in the market. “Sometimes in the past, we’ve shut down, but some other car washes haven’t,” said Morris. However, to better prepare for the future, he says there are methods and new technologies to help get through droughts without the need to shut down, but his business does not currently have the capabilities. “[We could get] water recyclers,” said Morris. “It cleans the water, then you use it again to wash the vehicles. It may be an option, it would be expensive, but it’s something we would look into in the future.” Right now, Alberta has stringent guidelines regarding water recycling, according to Svenson. “There are a number of steps that have been taken in order to [use water recycling],” said Svenson. “So, it’s not extremely common, at least not here.” He says little measures, such as limiting shower time or checking toilets for leaks will help save thousands of litres of water every week. Furthermore, he says a water shortage and rationing is more than just the responsibility of local businesses. “It affects everybody,” said Svenson. “So, it really takes everybody to do their part to get through it because if everybody gives a little, everybody has enough.” He says little measures, such as limiting shower time or checking toilets for leaks will help save thousands of litres of water every week. He also points out the difference between water rationing and water conservation. “Conservation is looking at the long-term change in behaviour,” said Svenson. “Water rationing is in response to something like a drought or water shortage.” Scaling water rates have been proposed in Lethbridge, meaning higher usage will equate to higher rates. However, the City says this proposal would only affect 26 per cent of residents.