Water use in Calgary still above target as city considers fines for non-compliance

Water use in Calgary amid repairs to a major pipeline is trending in the right direction, but still above the desired threshold, the city says.

Updated city data shows Calgarians used 494 million litres of water on Wednesday, down slightly from Tuesday’s 497 million litres, and a significant improvement from Monday’s 530 million litres.

But, it’s still not enough, according to city officials who have repeatedly asserted the need to conserve water by 25 per cent.

“Everyday that we don’t hit the targets, we find we can’t recover the system,” says Francois Bouchart, the city’s director of capital priorities and investment. “This is why it’s so important for Calgarians to lean in.”

Bouchart could not specify how many days the city could exceed the threshold before the taps run dry.

“It’s very difficult for us to provide you with a single number,” he said. “It really is a balance of supply and demand.”

Typical use for the city is 600 million litres, meaning the “safe” threshold during construction time is 450 million litres. Using more than the targeted water amount could mean the reservoirs run dry, according to the city, leading to an extended boil water advisory.

During repairs, the feeder main is out of service and most of the city’s water is taken from the Glenmore Reservoir, which has a lower water capacity.

City considering fines for non-compliance of restrictions

Stage 4 water restrictions returned on Monday, which entirely bans outdoor use of potable water like sprinklers and hoses.

General Manager Michael Thompson said the city sent an education team out Thursday morning to make sure residents were getting the message.

“To their amazement, they came across dozens of homes and businesses that had automatic irrigation systems running this morning,” Thompson says. “I cannot stress enough that we simply do not have the water available for people to water their lawns, gardens and plants using treated water.”

The city says they are now considering fines for people who don’t comply to the outdoor water restrictions. The fine for non-compliance is up to $3,000.

Restrictions are expected to last until Sept. 23.