Calgary moves into Stage 1 water restrictions
Posted Aug 15, 2023 10:41 am.
Last Updated Aug 16, 2023 9:24 am.
The City of Calgary has moved into Stage 1 of it’s outdoor water restriction plan Tuesday, due to continued drought conditions.
City officials say levels of the Bow and Elbow Rivers are at record lows.
“Also, Environment Canada is predicting a warm and dry winter, so this is an important measure to help us sustain Calgary’s water supply in the Glenmore Reservoir through to the spring, as well as to support our neighbours and the river health downstream,” said city manager of natural environment and adaptation Nicole Newton.
City manager of natural environment and adaptation Nicole Newton speaks at a press briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. The City of Calgary moved into Stage 1 water restrictions Tuesday, due to continued drought conditions. (Nick Blakeney, CityNews image)
She adds that the quality of Calgary’s water remains high and that the issue is about quantity, not quality.
Calgary’s Water Utility Bylaw outlines rules for dos and don’ts under water restrictions.
Stage 1 does allow residents to water lawns using sprinklers, soaker hoses, or in-ground sprinkling systems during specific days and times based on their address.
Read more: Calgary under heat warning: ECCC
Even number street addresses can use sprinklers for a maximum of two hours on Wednesday or Saturday from 4 a.m. – 7 a.m.; or 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; or 7 p.m. – 10 p.m, according to the city.
Odd number addresses can use sprinklers to water for a total of two hours on Thursday or Sunday from 4 a.m. – 7 a.m.; or 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; or 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Watering gardens, trees, and shrubs, filling outdoor pools or hot tubs, watering new sod or lawn seed, and construction (grading, compaction or dust control) are all permitted water uses during Stage 1 restrictions, the city adds.
Activities not allowed during Stage 1 water restrictions include washing cars in driveways or on the street, washing sidewalks, driveways, or walkways, filling fountains or decorative water features, washing outdoor windows, and cleaning exterior building surfaces.
Newton said the city takes an “education-first approach” to water bylaw enforcement, and officers will be out and about looking for non-compliance. Violations of the bylaw can lead to fines starting at $400, according to the city.
There are four stages in Calgary’s water restrictions bylaw, each outlining different rules for use based on conditions and various factors.
