Officials have placed a level three water conservation restriction on residential and commercial water use.

“Despite the moderate recession of the Highwood, we’re asking residential and commercial buildings in town to reduce their fresh water usage to a minimum,” said Emergency Operations Director, Ross Shapka. “The high water levels over the past 24 hours have put extreme stress on our waste-water treatment plant and the facility is operating at full capacity.”

Level three water conservation is enforceable by the Water Conservation Bylaw and restricted watering is now in effect. Filling pools and other recreational facilities are no longer permissible.

Water conservation levels will be updated on a continual basis as conditions improve.

The town has set up a Facebook page and is using their twitter account @HRroadreport to provide ongoing updates to all stakeholders. The Facebook page can be found at High River 2011 Crisis.