Sylvan Lake

Environmental Services maintains the Town's free RV sanitary dump. 

• 62 Thevenaz Industrial Trail (by Canadian Tire)
• Open: May 1 - October (fall close date is weather dependent on first frost)
• The RV sanitary dump has non-potable water 

Temporary closure starting Monday, June 23, 2025

• The Environmental Services Department manages the infrastructure of your water, stormwater, and wastewater systems.
• The Corporate Services Department manages all billing that you receive from the Town of Sylvan Lake
• Information about your utility bill is here

The Town of Sylvan Lake Environmental Services Department manages your drinking water system from the aquifer and wells to the lines that bring water into your home.

• Learn all about your water system here. 
• Learn about how you can reduce your water bill here

Water sustainability planning 

• Water is life for today and the future
• We are carefully planning so that we have enough water for today and for future growth
• Learn more about our Sustainable Water Project

The Province's brochure Facts about Water in Alberta outlines where our water comes from, who uses water in the province, and how water quality and quantity is managed. The following is an excerpt from Facts about Water in Alberta brochure.

Through increased awareness and understanding, Albertans can act as stewards to protect and conserve our water resources ensuring the goals of Alberta 's Strategy tor Sustainability are realized. (page 1)

Province of Alberta's water allocation rules (page 34)

• The Town must follow water access rules from the Province of Alberta
• In Alberta, water diversions are managed primarily through a system of water licences issued by Alberta Environment under the Water Act. Municipalities, private companies, individuals, and others can apply for a licence to divert water.
• Diverted water is the amount of water a licence holder is permitted to withdraw from a water source in one year. It is usually expressed as an "allocation" consisting of a volume (e.g., cubic metres, acre-feet), a maximum pump rate, and timing when a licence is allowed to pump.
• The total withdrawal over the year cannot exceed the volume of water specified in a licence.
• Examples of diverted water uses include:
  • agriculture;
  • industry;
  • commercial (e.g., golf courses, gravel pit operations); and
  • municipal. 

Water management (page 53)

• The province has had the responsibility for allocating water resources since the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement was passed in 1930, transferring federal control to provincial control.
• The Water Resources Act governed water management for close to 70 years (1931-1999) although several amendments were made over that time.
• In 1991, Alberta Environment reviewed the existing water policy and legislation in Alberta. Water legislation in other jurisdictions (e.g., Australia, United States) was also reviewed to Identify alternative tools that might be applied in the Alberta context.
• Following this comprehensive review and input from Albertans, the Water Act was proclaimed in January, 1999. 

The Water Act (page 53)

• The Water Act supports and promotes the conservation and management 
  of water, including the wise allocation and use of water.
• It also recognizes the need for planning and enforcement components to achieve those desired outcomes expressed by Albertans.
• Albertan's views. and the corresponding legislation, have shifted from being mostly focused on allocation of water, to a planning approach with a goal of living within our means.
• Within each watershed, a limited amount of water can be withdrawn while still maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
• Growth pressures coupled with our increased knowledge of what is needed to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems, has created the need to renew how we use and allocate this renewable, but scarce resource. 
• The current water allocation management system establishes priority based on 'first in time, first In right,' providing some cer1ainty for users that invested in water licences In the past. During times of shortage, senior water licence holders are entitled to their allocation of water before more junior water licence holders, regardless of purpose.
• However, there are provisions in the Water Act that allow the Minister of Environment to address Issues in an emergency. The Water Act also provides a statutory top priority right to water use for household purposes that meet certain criteria, over all other water uses. 

Conservation and restrictions are not the same thing, but both work to protect our water supply.

• Conservation: Conservation is an annual water saving program that started in 1996. This program started to get Lakers into the habit of using water wisely during the spring, summer, and fall. Conservation is not restriction.
• Restriction: Restrictions happen when we use more water than our wells can produce. 
• Conservation vs restriction: Page 6 - 19 of the Your Water brochure explains the difference between conservation and restriction in detail
• How the Town conserves water: The Water Conservation and Demand Management Measurements Policy explains how the Town protects the water supply. The policy outlines conservation (stage 1) and what happens during water shortages that result in restrictions (stages 2 and 3)
• History of conservation: Voluntary water conservation started around 1995, and you can see it mentioned on page 4 of the April 1996 council minutes record. In 1996, the town installed water meters in almost all structures using municipal water (mention on page 3). The results were an immediate and sharp reduction in water usage (page 33). In 1999, the Town included mandatory water conservation in the Water and Sewer Bylaw (page 61, article 68)

Mandatory water conservation is in effect between April 1 and October 31, every year.
Let's all do our part, and use water wisely. 

• ALL homes watering ban everyday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

• All homes, anytime: Turn off your water if it is running into the street or sewer system. Watering further only wastes money and water

• Odd numbered homes: water lawn, garden, or yard ONLY on odd numbered days

• Even numbered homes: water lawn, garden, or yard ONLY on even numbered days
  

• Hand watering: Any home may water by hand with a water jug on any day of the week, any time of day 

• New sod or seed: water on any day of the week, any time of day

• Download a pdf announcement of the new water conservation rules

How do I know if I'm in a boil water advisory or precautionary boil water advisory?

• During a water advisory, impacted homes are contacted in person and receive a written notice with instructions
• If you didn't receive a notice, you aren't under an advisory
• You can check current advisories at sylvanlake.ca/boilwater