The Town of Okotoks has laid out their new watering schedule

The new outdoor watering schedule for the Town of Okotoks has been released.

This change was implemented to help preserve water, as drought conditions are expected this summer.

During stages 1 and 2 of the town's Water Shortage Response Plan, the outdoor daily watering schedule has been reduced by an hour, and restricted to weekdays.

Odd-numbered addresses in Okotoks will be allowed to water outdoors on Mondays and Thursdays.

Even numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Manual watering, which includes using garden hoses, above-ground sprinklers connected to garden hoses, and watering cans, will only be permitted between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., for both the odd and even watering schedules.

Automated watering will only be permitted between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. for both watering schedules.

Under stages 1, 2, and 3, hand watering flowers, vegetable gardens, trees, and shrubbery with a watering can or hose with a manual nozzle trigger will be permitted.

But, once stage 3 has been reached, outdoor watering will be reduced to one day per week for residents.

During stage 3, odd-numbered homes will only be allowed to water on Mondays, while even-numbered houses will be permitted to water on Mondays.

Under stages 4 and 5, outdoor watering will be prohibited.

Stage 5 is a new addition to the water conservation plan, and represents extreme conditions, where only essential water usage is allowed.

Which includes some businesses like car washes.

Even though they have changed to watering schedule, people can still apply for a Water Exemption Permit for installing new sod or seed on their property.

The permit allows for the resident to have additional watering days to help the seed and sod grow and ensure the roots are taking hold.

No permits will be issued during stages 4 and 5.