Drought

Water Efficiency and Drought

Together, we can make every drop count

Current conditions

Updated August 28, 2025

Over the last week, above average temperatures have led to higher water usage than we typically see at this time of year. Despite the increased demand, our water supply remains healthy, and our system is positioned to meet current needs. We expect anticipate that once the daytime temperatures return to seasonal norms, water usage will decrease. Long-term water conservation remains important so we continue to ask Calgarians to make every drop count by adopting these top water-saving tips.

What we’re seeing

  • Flows in the Bow and Elbow Rivers are currently at or above the seasonal norm and conditions continue to support a healthy water supply in the weeks ahead.
  • Upstream reservoir storage on the Bow River is below normal for this time of year due to ongoing maintenance at the Spray Lakes Reservoir and low seasonal inflows at Lake Minnewanka. The Glenmore Reservoir is filled to its maximum capacity.
  • Seasonal forecasts are calling for hotter and wetter than normal weather into the early fall, and a continuation of above normal streamflow.
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
Learn more about outdoor water restrictions

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.

  • Alberta River Basins

    An interactive map showing precipitation and river flows, water supply outlook and drought advisories.

  • Government of Alberta

    Information about drought conditions across the province and actions undertaken by Alberta's government.

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