Mandatory restrictions issued for outdoor water use in Calgary
Bow River hasn't been this low since 1911, says city
Calgarians are now under a mandatory water restriction limiting when and how they use water outdoors for activities like yard work and washing.
City officials say dry conditions, record-low river flows, and an anticipated warm and dry winter are the reason for introducing Stage 1 restrictions. They say that by staggering water use, and restricting excessive use, the city will reduce extra demand on the municipal water supply.
The Elbow River hasn't been this low since 2000, while the Bow River hasn't been this low since 1911, said Nicole Newton, who works with natural environment and adaption at the City of Calgary.
The Elbow River supplies about 40 per cent of Calgary's water supply. The Bow River supplies the remaining 60 per cent. Both river watersheds originate in the Rocky Mountains and are fed by precipitation and glacial ice melt.
"Not sure I want to say unprecedented but there are some historical lows taking place," Newton said.
Newton says this year's low snow pack and earlier-than-normal snow melt are cause for concern ahead of what may be a warmer winter season.
"With the forecasted warm and dry water conditions on the horizon, this will greatly help sustain the City of Calgary's water supply, as well as supporting our neighbours downstream and the biodiversity that relies upon this precious resource," she said.
Stage 1 water rules
Under Stage 1, Calgarians are limited to watering their lawns one day a week during set hours, for maximum total of two hours.
Sprinklers, soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkling systems can all be used, but at set times.
People with homes/unit addresses that have even numbers can water on Wednesday or Saturday between either:
- 4 a.m. - 7 a.m.
- 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
People with homes/units ending in odd numbers can water on Thursday or Sunday between either:
- 4 a.m. - 7 a.m.
- 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The city says you can water gardens, trees and shrubs with a hose that shuts off or a water canister at any time. Watering new sod or lawn seed is also allowed, as is filling an outdoor pool, or using water for construction purposes like dust control.
Under these restrictions, water may not be used for at-home car washing, washing sidewalks, driveways or walkways, washing windows, cleaning exterior building surfaces or filling outdoor water features.
Business are allowed some exceptions like washing vehicles to follow health and safety regulations, watering plants, shrubs and trees for commercial sale, washing outdoor surfaces at facilities like restaurants, daycares and animal care operations.
Licensed exterior window washing services and car washes are still able to operate.
The city says it will take an "education-first approach" to enforcing these restrictions but that bylaw officers will be patrolling. Violations of these restrictions could lead to a fine of up to $400.
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