Drought

Water Efficiency and Drought

Together, we can make every drop count

Current conditions

Updated July 11, 2025

With temperatures returning to seasonal norms and some rain in the forecast over the next week, our water supply and system remains well positioned to meet expected water demand. Throughout the summer we continue to ask Calgarians to make every drop count by adopting these top water-saving tips.

What we’re seeing

  • Mountain snowpack in both the Elbow and Bow basin has fully melted for the season, approximately 2 weeks ahead of normal.
  • Upstream reservoir storage on the Bow River is below normal for this time of year, while the Glenmore Reservoir is at maximum capacity.  
  • Bow and Elbow River flows are within the normal range for this time of year. However, due to a below-normal snowpack, Elbow River flows may decline further in the coming weeks without significant rainfall.
  • Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast is calling for higher-than-normal temperatures this summer with below average precipitation.
  • We’ll continue to monitor conditions as continued hot, dry conditions could affect our supply in the late summer.
Track Calgary’s daily water demand

How we’re preparing

During this time, City of Calgary operations are going above and beyond their regular water conservation practices, to reduce its own outdoor water use. We’re also continuing to monitor river and weather conditions and watching the impacts of sustained heat and water demand. We’ll keep Calgarians informed if anything changes.

Water restrictions status

Top tips for saving water outdoors

Reduce how often and how long you water outdoors

You can achieve this by cutting your watering time by 5-10 minutes less per session.

Skip a watering day

Healthy lawns only need about one inch of water per week to stay healthy. This includes rain too, so use a small container to track how much water your lawn is getting.

Water during cooler hours

Water your lawn and garden in the late evening or early morning to reduce evaporation.

Keep your grass three inches long

Longer grass keeps roots cool helping your lawn handle dry conditions.

Use a rain barrel

Rain barrels are a great way to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard.

Get a rain barrel rebate

More ways to save water

In your yard

During spring and summer, your water use can jump by 30 to 40 per cent because of outdoor watering activities. Prepare your yard for dry conditions and make it as water efficient as possible.

Learn about drought-tolerant native plants Get a rain barrel

At home

In Calgary, the average person uses about seven cubic metres (m3) or 7,000 litres of water per month. 

Find out the biggest water users inside your home and get tips and actions to take to achieve significant water savings in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry area.

Saving water in your home

At work

Practicing water efficiency makes good business sense. It helps lower operating costs, saves energy and demonstrates responsible water use. 

There are many ways businesses can conserve water. Learn how to lower your water use with sector specific tips, guides and resources. 

Water efficiency for businesses Learn how to become a water managed site

More information

  • Doing our part

    Across our operations, we’re taking additional steps to reduce our outdoor water use.

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