Even or odd address? Many Calgarians unsure about new watering rules

New outdoor watering rules are now in effect across Calgary, part of a city plan to cut water use by 20 per cent by 2040.

But many residents say they’re unaware of the changes, or confused about what they actually mean.

“It just gets a little frustrating trying to work with that,” one resident said when asked about the new system.

The rules assign watering times based on whether a home has an odd or even street address. But on Calgary streets this week, several people said they hadn’t heard anything about it.

Some had a vague sense that something was changing, but not the specifics.

“I know water is scheduled… there’s, like, the timing after using the water, and then, like, not wasting the water,” another resident said. “Something like that.”

City officials say the confusion is expected. The public awareness campaign is only beginning, and more information will be rolled out through postcards, bill inserts and community outreach.

The city emphasizes that the system is meant to be simple: determine your watering schedule based on your address, then choose from the available days and times.

“The schedule offers up to 45 possible hours of watering,” said Rehana Rajabali, manager of Natural Environment and Adaptation for the City of Calgary. “There’s lots of opportunities in the evenings, in the mornings, and even overnight.”

“There’s always going to be a weekend day as well as a weekday.”

Rajabali said the city is taking an education‑first approach this year, though, in extreme cases there could be a fine.

For people who work with lawns and gardens every day, the rollout has been smoother. Gardener Jean Paul said most of his clients aren’t worried.

“It seems that the city has set up a reasonable schedule for people to water their gardens and their lawns,” he said. “I’m not really hearing any complaints… in this house, they do have a sprinkler system that will go on three times a week and water the garden for half an hour in the middle of the night.”

The rules apply to homes and businesses using city drinking water. Rain barrels and certified water‑managed sites are exempt.

City officials acknowledge it may take time for residents to adjust, but say the goal is to use less water today to protect tomorrow’s supply.

More information on the watering schedule can be found here.