Calgary exceeds water use target for 4th day; city warns of door-to-door inspector scams

Water use in Calgary is down for the third straight day amid repairs to a major city water main, but still remains far from the desired target.

Updated city data shows Calgarians used 487 million litres on Thursday, down from 494 million litres on Wednesday and 497 million litres on Tuesday.

On Monday, the first day of Stage 4 water restrictions, the city used 530 million litres. The restrictions entirely ban outdoor use of potable water like sprinklers and hoses.

“Without water restrictions we would have run out by now,” says Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services.

The ‘safe’ target set out by city officials to avoid the introduction of city-wide boil water advisories 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.

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Thompson says the city has concerns about the upcoming string of hot weather in the forecast, saying they are still seeing people who are running automatic sprinklers despite the restrictions in place.

The city’s inspector of community standards Cheryl Townsend says bylaw has received 278 calls since restrictions took effect and teams are actively following up on the calls.

“We will begin issuing tickets in the next few days,” she says. “We are increasing our presence in communities and will be working through the weekend.”

The fine for non-compliance is up to $3,000.

Restrictions are expected to last until Sept. 23.

City warns of door-to-door scams amid water restrictions

The city is also letting residents know about concerning unconfirmed reports of people going door-to-door checking for water compliance, and using it as a ruse for theft.

The city’s inspector of community standards Cheryl Townsend says there are no crews going door-to-door checking for compliance.

“Any official inspections related to water use will only be conducted by bylaw officers in clearly marked uniforms, and they will always carry proper identification,” says Townsend.

She adds that any bylaw officers doing an inspection would not have a reason to enter anyone’s home.

Earlier this month, officials warned of several other reports of people going door-to-door either representing a home service company of some kind or claiming to be from the city.

Anyone who detects suspicious activity is being asked to call police.