The cities of Morden and Winkler, along with the RM of Stanley, have each recently declared a State of Drought Emergency as per a recommendation from the Pembina Valley Water Coop (PVWC). This declaration was resolved to emphasize the severity of the situation we are facing as well as to open additional communication with higher levels of government as we work towards both immediate strategies as well as long-term solutions.
The Manitoba Government has identified Southern Manitoba as being in a D3 - Extreme Drought (a 20-50 year event), with Morden-Winkler-RM of Stanley being identified as a D4-Exceptional Drought (a 50+ year event). This is due to surrounding sources of water in significant reduced levels and flow.
The cities of Morden, Winkler and the RM of Stanley are jointly asking their residents and businesses to reduce water consumption not only for now, but to save for the future months if we don't get a recharge in water supply over the winter. We are asking our residents and businesses to reduce water consumption not only for potable treated (city supplied) water, but also for the raw untreated water as the bulk untreated systems pull water away from the treatment plants.
Earlier this summer we directed residents to use non-potable water because the main issue was the ability to treat and distribute the sudden surge in demand. However, through the summer the drought has intensified, and we are now working to protect and preserve existing raw water sources throughout the region. This will provide protection in the event we do not have significant recharge through the fall, winter, and spring.
The RM of Stanley has posted water reduction measures at all municipal bulk wells. The wells will remain open mainly for agricultural, livestock, and construction use. Please consider eliminating or significantly reducing the use of municipal bulk wells.
The underground storages (aquifers) are what we, as cities and the RM are protecting to carry us through the winter in the event that the Red River cannot produce enough water for us.
Please follow the water conservation plans for your community. In addition to the community conservation plans, each municipality is implementing further measures:
No lawn watering allowed from any municipal source of potable or non-potable water. We would encourage you to use rainwater, repurposed household water, or water from your swimming pool when you are done with them for the season.
The three municipalities have directed staff to stop all landscape watering effective immediately, from Municipal potable or non-potable sources. This includes grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs. The Municipalities will look for opportunities to use rainwater and repurposed water for limited uses such as newly planted trees and shrubs.
Government, industry and engineers are working tirelessly to implement drought management actions, plans and contingency plans to carry our area through this time, including long-term measures to avoid this situation from happening in the future.
We jointly recognize that all 3 communities have done a tremendous job of conserving water and have understanding of the situation we have been in, and are facing in the long term. We are asking all residents and businesses to continue to follow their city or RM's water conservation plan, to help be part of a solution for our future.
For more specific water conservation plans for your own municipality please visit.
www.WinklerWater.ca
www.RMofStanley.ca
www.Conservation.MyMorden.ca
This issue is an urgent priority for each municipality. We will continue to work diligently not only to come up with solutions but to educate and communicate on a regular basis.
Regards,
Brandon Burley
Mayor
City of Morden
Morris Olafson
Reeve
RM of Stanley
Martin Harder
Mayor
City of Winkler
