Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue throughout the long weekend, and there's even a fire ban in place, as the threat of grass and wildfire continue.

Where does that leave the town on water usage during the summer drought?

Okotoks Infrastructure and Operations Manager Chris Radford says nothing is bound to change immediately.

Radford mentions, as a town we're still using a huge amount of water on our set watering days, but the current restrictions in place allow the reservoirs to recuperate after a day of high use.

He says usage increases quite a bit on our weekly watering days.

"We're seeing around 12000 cubic meters a day in use.  The most recent watering day we have information for is Tuesday August 29, and we did exceed 13 million liters that day."

It's thanks to the lower use days that the reservoirs refill, that we're not looking at a full outdoor watering ban in town for the long weekend.

While residents won't see a complete watering ban any time soon, Radford adds we're not seeing a drop in restrictions either.

"We're not considering any further restrictions right now.  I think we're in a position right now, where as long as we see the ability to recover on the non-watering days, than we're doing quite well."

Currently Okotokians are allowed to water their lawns or run their sprinklers on one day per week, per address.

Radford reminds residents that they are giving permits for extra watering for a few reasons. 

"As a reminder, we are still issuing water exemption permits for new lawns, turfs, new vegetation and that kind of thing."

A good way to beat the heat, and save water this weekend, is by strolling through the spray park where all the water used is recycled through a filtration system, similar to that of the pool.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com