Understanding outdoor water restrictions

When are outdoor water restrictions used?

There are times when we may need to call on all Calgarians to temporarily reduce their non-essential outdoor water use, such as when:

  • less water is available in the rivers, due to drought
  • we’re repairing or upgrading our water treatment infrastructure
  • water demand is high due to hot temperatures and is straining the capacity of our water treatment plants
  • river water quality is poor, and it takes longer to treat

If we all do our part and follow the restrictions when they’re in place, we can reduce the strain on the river and water treatment plants.

Who needs to follow outdoor water restrictions?

The restrictions apply to all City of Calgary Water Utility customers, including:

  • Residences

  • Businesses and organizations

  • City of Calgary operations

There are some exceptions that allow certain customers to continue outdoor water use for health and safety reasons or for core business needs. This includes:

  • Watering plants, shrubs and trees for commercial sale.
  • Washing outdoor surfaces for childcare facilities, restaurants, kennel and animal care facilities.
  • Washing of vehicles subject to health and safety regulations.
  • Businesses that have a license to operate exterior window washing services.

Outdoor water restrictions stages

Outdoor water restrictions will be announced through local news and through The City’s social media channels.

There are four stages of mandatory outdoor water restrictions, based on the severity of the water shortage. The following table explains how and when you can use water outdoors.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3  Stage 4
Sprinklers

Yes - 2 hours/week

  • Even house number: Either Wednesday or Saturday
  • Odd house number: Either Thursday or  Sunday

Watering is allowed between:

  • 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. 
  • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Yes - 1 hour/week

  • Even house number: Either Wednesday or Saturday
  • Odd house number: Either Thursday or  Sunday

Watering is allowed between:

  • 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. 
  • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
 No No

Hoses with spray nozzle (only for gardens, trees and shrubs)

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

No

No
Hand watering

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

No
Watering new grass

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

No

Washing outdoors (cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways)

 No

No

No

No

Filling outdoor pools or hot tubs

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

 No

No

Filling fountains and other decorative features

 No

No

No

No

Water use for construction purposes

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

Yes

Any day/time

No

Water use after applying pesticides or fertilizer

No

No

No

No

Outdoor water restrictions summary guide

A quick reference for understanding outdoor water restriction stages 1-4.

Download the summary guide

Stay informed

We’re constantly monitoring conditions and our city’s water usage. As the situation changes, we will keep Calgarians informed if we need to escalate or de-escalate the restrictions and the corresponding actions we need them to take.

Twitter: City of Calgary

Facebook: City of Calgary

City of Calgary newsroom

 

Download the City of Calgary alerts app on iOS or Google Play.

Enforcement

Water restrictions are governed and enforced under the Water Utility Bylaw. While we strive to take an education-first approach with Calgarians, it’s important that we all do our part so there are penalties for violations that depend on the stage of water restriction.

The fines are listed in the Water Utility Bylaw and range from $400 for violation during Stage 1 to $3000 for a violation during Stage 4.

Water Utility Bylaw
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