Water is the lifeblood of our community, sustaining our ecosystems, health, and way of life. In the Bow Valley, we are fortunate to have access to clean and abundant water sources. However, with increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and development, it's more important than ever to steward this vital resource responsibly.
Understanding Our Water Sources
Canmore's drinking water comes from two primary sources:
Groundwater Aquifer: A shallow underground aquifer beneath downtown Canmore, hydrologically connected to the Bow River.
Rundle Forebay: A reservoir near the Canmore Nordic Centre, primarily supplied by the Spray Lakes reservoir in Kananaskis Country via a network of canals and hydroelectric facilities.
Homes and businesses on the north side of the TransCanada Highway receive water from downtown wells, treated with chlorine and stored in underground reservoirs. Those south of the Bow River, including central Canmore, Deadman’s Flats, and Harvie Heights, receive water from the Rundle Forebay, treated with chlorine, gravity filtration, and ultraviolet light disinfection.
Where Does Our Wastewater Go?
Canmore's wastewater is collected through over 100 kilometers of sewer pipes leading to the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. This facility treats over 5 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. Treated effluent is discharged into the Bow River, eventually flowing to the City of Calgary and beyond. The plant's performance is closely monitored to ensure minimal impact on downstream water quality.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater, primarily from rain or melting snow, is managed through approximately 35 kilometers of storm sewers in newer subdivisions. Older areas without storm sewers use drywells, allowing runoff to percolate into the ground.
Community Goals: Reducing Water Consumption
The Town of Canmore aims to reduce residential water consumption by 50% per capita below 2000 levels by 2035. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collective effort and individual action.
What You Can Do
Keep Our Water Clean
Car Washing and Maintenance: Avoid washing vehicles in driveways or on roads, as it can introduce pollutants into the stormwater system. Use commercial car washes that properly treat wastewater. Regularly maintain vehicles to prevent fluid leaks, and recycle used oil and antifreeze at the Town of Canmore Recycling Depot.
Around the House: Sweep driveways and garages instead of hosing them down. Properly store and dispose of household chemicals and paint at designated facilities.
Yard and Garden: Use natural fertilizers like compost and low-toxicity pest control products. Mow grass to a height of 2 inches to promote deep roots and reduce runoff. Mulch and seed bare soil promptly to prevent erosion.
Pets: Regularly clean up pet waste to prevent pathogens from entering waterways. Always carry a bag when walking your dog and dispose of waste properly.
Reduce Water Use
Appliances: When replacing appliances, choose ENERGY STAR certified models for improved efficiency.
Fix Leaks: Regularly check for and repair leaks in toilets, taps, and pipes to prevent water waste.
Watering Practices: Water lawns and gardens during cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation. Consider using rain barrels to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation. Check our Rain Barrel 101 document for more information!
Get Involved
Join us in our efforts to protect and conserve water in the Bow Valley. Participate in community events, workshops, and initiatives focused on water stewardship. Together, we can ensure a sustainable water future for generations to come.