Calgary moves to Stage 1 outdoor water restrictions

Calgary has moved to the lowest level of water restrictions for the first time since a major feeder main break that devastated the city’s water infrastructure last month.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek announced the move to Stage 1 restrictions (full list below) on Tuesday afternoon, saying issues surrounding pumps at the Bearspaw and Glenmore treatment plants have now been resolved.

“I’m pleased to let you know we can move towards Stage 1 water restrictions effective immediately,” said Gondek.

City officials expected move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at the start of the week before the problems with the raw water intake pumps were discovered.

“Each of these issues was relatively minor, but we needed time to find root causes,” said the city’s general manager of infrastructure Michael Thompson. “We completed maintenance on the pumps yesterday and they are both back in operation.

Stage 1 allows for the use of sprinklers, soaker hoses, or in-ground sprinkler systems up to two hours a week on specific days; even house numbers can water on Wednesdays or Saturdays, and odd house numbers can water on Thursdays or Sundays.

Residents can split their watering on the two days so long as they do not go over two hours for the week. People are still being asked to water during off-peak hours, in the morning or evening.

Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions

What is allowed:

• Using a sprinkler, soaker hose or in-ground sprinkling system (including testing) for a maximum of two hours per week on set days.
  • Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday or Saturday.
  • Odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursday or Sunday.
  • Calgarians are asked to water in the morning or in the evening to avoid the hottest period of the day and minimize evaporation.  
• Watering gardens, plants and shrubs by a hose attached to a trigger spray nozzle/watering wand or drip irrigation with an automatic shut-off is allowed on any day/time.
• As always, people are encouraged to water each plant slowly and at its base, and check soil moisture both before and after watering to determine if water is needed.

Remains prohibited:

• Washing driveways and sidewalks.
• Washing windows or exterior building surfaces, unless it is done by a business licensed to perform this service.
• Filling fountains and decorative water features, except for bird baths, which are allowed.
• Washing your car or other vehicles with water in the driveway or street.

The city plans to turn on an additional pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday which would take the flow in the feeder main to 75 per cent. If no issues arise, Thompson says the city could be ready to move out of restrictions completely in a matter of days.

“We’re going to have to watch how demand goes with these warm days ahead,” he says. “Our goal is to work out of restrictions.”

Calgarians used 639 million litres of water on Monday, down slightly from the day before. The mayor said the city typically uses around 680 million litres on a hot summer day.

“With another couple of hot days expected in what could be a record-breaking heat wave, we expect to see Calgarians use water to cool down,” Gondek says.

The mayor said Tuesday would mark her last update on the city’s water situation. The water services team will continue providing regular updates for the time being.