Water Restrictions in effect starting March 9
Starting March 9 for approximately four weeks City-wide water restrictions in effect
What you need to know
Reinforcement work
The Bearspaw South Feeder Main is shut down for reinforcement work beginning March 9, for approximately four weeks. During this time it's critical for residents and businesses to use less water since the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant is supplying most of the city and region and is operating at maximum capacity.
During Stage 4 Outdoor water restrictions, no outdoor water use is permitted at this time. We’re also asking Calgarians to take steps to reduce their indoor water use by 25 litres per person each day.
Daily water use
Saturday was in the green – great work!
Yesterday’s water usage was 480 million litres (ML) which keeps us in the green zone for the third day in a row.
By keeping our water demand below 500 million litres of water, we stay in the green zone. This means demand can be met by the drinking water system during the reinforcement work.
Using more than 500 million litres puts us in the red zone, where we are at increased risk of:
- Insufficient water to fight fires.
- Low water pressure and potential boil water advisory.
- Water treatment plant or system failure resulting in no water.
Top three ways to help save water indoors
We're asking Calgarians to focus on taking the following three actions that we know make the biggest difference to household water consumption.
-
Only flush when needed
Skipping five flushes saves about 25 litres.
-
Take 3-minute showers
Every one minute you save in the shower saves up to 8 liters of water.
-
Run full loads only
Only run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads.
Other ways you can save water
Laundry room
Laundry room
Do laundry with full loads only
Reduce laundry
Reduce the number of laundry loads each week and switch the appliance to an eco-setting, if you can. Here are some suggested guidelines based on the number of people in the household.
How to do it
- Only use your washing machine when you have a full load.
- Wash only the clothes you need to get you through the week.
- Reduce your laundry by re-wearing clothing and reusing towels as much as you can.
How much water is used?
- Front load washing machine (per cycle) uses 62L
- Top load washing machine (per cycle) uses 112L
Bathroom
Bathroom
Flush only when needed
Reduce toilet flushing
Reduce the number flushes per day by adopting an if it’s yellow, let it mellow and if it’s brown then flush it down routine.
Adjust your toilet to use less water
If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, you can further reduce the amount of water used for each flush by putting a water displacement device (like a brick or a bottle filled with water) in the toilet tank.
How much water is used?
- Low flow toilet (per flush) uses 4.8L
- Non-low flow toilet (per flush) uses 6L
Keep showers to 3 mins or less
Showers and bathing
- Stick to a three-minute shower.
- Use a timer or listen to a single 3-minute song to help you stay on track.
- Switch to once every two days rather than daily showers.
- If you need to take a bath, keep it shallow.
- Turn off the tap when lathering your hands or face while washing, brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Use a cup to rinse your mouth and hands if needed.
- Fill the bottom of the sink basin with a little bit of water when you shave.
- Skip a hair wash or shave.
- Place a bucket in your shower to capture the cold water while it heats up and use it water houseplants, cleaning or to fill the toilet bowl for flushing.
How much water is used?
- Regular showerhead (per 5 minutes) uses 47.5L
- Low flow showerhead (per 5 minutes) uses 38L
- Typical bathtub (per use) uses 92L
More ways you can save water
Fix leaky taps and toilets
- Inspect all faucets, showerheads, and toilets for leaks and repair them.
- Take the leaky toilet test.
- Use your water meter to check for and repair any fixture leaks.
- Take the leaky toilet test.
Cleaning
Where you can, wipe instead of wash and sweep instead of spray.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Wash dishes on a full load only
Reduce dishwasher loads
Reduce the number of dishwashing loads as much as you can each week and change the appliance setting to a shorter cycle. Here are some suggested guidelines based on the number of people in the household.
How to do it
- Only wash full loads.
- Cut down on dirty dishes by making meals that require little to no washing (e.g. barbequing), re-using cups throughout the day or even using compostable dishes over the next few weeks.
How much water is used?
Dishwasher (per load) uses 28L
More ways you can save water
Cooking
- Consider preparing meals that limit pots and pans, like barbecue or one-pot meals.
- Wash vegetables and fruit in a partially filled sink or pot and then rinse them quickly.
- Defrost food in the fridge overnight.
- Boil food in just enough water for it to be submerged.
- Keep a jug of drinking water in your fridge. Don’t run the tap to get ice-cold water.
- Turn off ice machines.
Washing dishes
- Use compostable plates and utensils to cut down on washing up.
- Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing off food.
- If washing dishes by hand, fill one basin part way with hot water for washing and the other side with part way with water for rinsing, instead of running the tap continuously.
Cleaning
Where you can, wipe instead of wash and sweep instead of spray.
Utility room
Utility room
The utility room
- Turn off your water softener.
- Turn off humidifiers.
- Service and repair appliances like water softeners, furnace humidifiers and hot water tanks.
Understanding Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions
Under Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions, all outdoor water use is temporarily prohibited, with a few exceptions.
Violations of these restrictions may lead to fines starting at $3,000.
Allowed any day at any time
Allowed any day at any time
Yes, you can wash your car at an indoor car wash
- We encourage drivers to wash their vehicles only when necessary for safety (to keep windows, mirrors and license plates clean).
- You cannot wash your car with water in your driveway or on the street.
Yes, you can capture and reuse rainwater to water your plants
- Learn more about the $50 rain barrel rebate program opening April 1.
Yes, you can water vegetable gardens
- You can water edible food crops (e.g. vegetable gardens, raspberry bushes, tomato plants, etc.).
- Watering must be done with either a hose equipped with a spring-loaded spray nozzle or a hand-held container.
Yes, you can water plants for commercial sale or donation
- This includes nurseries, garden centres, turf and tree farms, urban farms and food growing community organizations.
Yes, you can use water for livestock
Not allowed during water restrictions
Not allowed during water restrictions
Don't use water for construction or renovation
- This includes activities such as outdoor mixing of concrete, washing surfaces prior to sealing and dust suppression.
- Businesses using non-potable water sources are allowed to continue.
- For example, using stormwater for outdoor irrigation.
Other alternatives
- Businesses may be able to get non-potable water or water from other regional towns, not serviced by Calgary’s water system (e.g. Cochrane, Okotoks or High River).
- Businesses can apply to the Government of Alberta for a temporary diversion license (TDL) that would allow them to withdraw water from the river. Information on TDL’s can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website
Don't use water for outdoor snow or ice making
- This includes flooding or maintaining outdoor rinks with a hose or Zamboni.
Don't clean outdoor building surfaces or wash windows
- Exception allowed if it’s for health and safety regulations.
Don't wash sidewalks, driveways or walkways
- This includes outdoor (unheated) parkades. We’re also encouraging building operators to reschedule indoor parkade cleaning to a later date, once restrictions are lifted.
- As an alternative, use a broom to clean hard surfaces.
- Exception allowed if it’s for health and safety regulations.
Don't test or audit irrigation systems
Don't fill fountains or decorative water features
Filling bird baths or residential ponds is okay.
Don't fill an outdoor pool, hot tub or wading pool
Don't water lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs
- Outdoor watering by any method (e.g. sprinklers, in-ground irrigation systems, hoses and watering cans) is not allowed. This includes newly planted grass, trees, shrubs and at certified water managed sites.
- The only exception is for watering vegetable gardens or other edible food crop (e.g. raspberry bushes, tomato plants, etc.). Watering must be done with either a hose equipped with a spring-loaded spray nozzle or a hand-held container.
Business
Are you a business owner?
We are also asking businesses, small and large, to conserve water in their operations.
Find out how you can reduce your non-essential water use based on your business type without compromising safety or quality.
How businesses can reduce water useHelp us spread the water conservation message
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to share and display these materials as appropriate for customers and employees.
Download and print posters
Download and print handouts
Business
Social media
Digital display screens
Promote your water-saving actions
Print and post these posters in your facility or share these graphics on social media to help raise awareness and show visitors and customers that you’re doing your part to save water.
Download and print 8.5 x 11 poster
Social media
Frequently asked questions
Understanding water restrictions
Who is affected by the water restrictions?
All residents and businesses within Calgary must comply with Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions outlined in the bylaw.
We’re also in this together with our regional customers including the City of Airdrie, City of Chestermere, Tsuut’ina Nation, Town of Strathmore who will also have water restrictions in place and be asking their residents and businesses to reduce their water use.
Will outdoor water restrictions be city wide or only in specific, impacted areas?
When water restrictions come into effect, they are implemented city-wide and apply to all residents, businesses and City operations because our water distribution system is interconnected throughout the city.
Why am I seeing crews running water out of a fire hydrant during water restrictions?
We understand it can seem wasteful to see water running during repairs, especially with strict outdoor water restrictions. But flushing is required to keep our drinking water safe and protects our water distribution system.
As part of federally and provincially legislated water quality requirements, The City is required to maintain water quality after completing repairs.
After any pipe repair, flushing removes sediment or contaminants that may have entered the system.
You’ll see crews flushing after repairs to the feeder main and during other routine pipe repairs across the city.
Information for businesses and facilities
Will The City be opening non-potable river water pick-up stations?
No, at this time The City will not be opening non-potable fill stations during the March feeder main reinforcement period.
Businesses can apply to the Government of Alberta for a temporary diversion license (TDL) that would allow them to withdraw water from the river. Information on TDL’s can be found on the Government of Alberta website.
Are bulk water stations still open?
Yes, all bulk water stations remain open. However, under Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions, potable water collected from a bulk water station may only be used for health and safety purposes and cannot be used for any of the following:
- Washing down any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways or walkways of any sort unless your business requires it for health and safety reasons.
- Using water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction or dust control.
- Filling of outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools or hot tubs.
- Watering lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs by any method
Is The City planning on shutting down car washes for this period of time?
Commercial car washes will continue to be allowed to operate and are asked to conserve water where they can. Some indoor car washes recycle around 85 per cent of their water.
We encourage drivers to wash their vehicles only when necessary for safety (to keep windows, mirrors and license plates clean).
Will indoor pools be allowed to operate without disruption during the upcoming restrictions?
Yes, indoor pools are allowed to operate when water restrictions are in effect. We’re asking these facilities to adjust their operations to conserve water where possible.
At our City-operated recreation facilities, we're making operational adjustments to reduce water use by:
- Conducting frequent inspections to identify and repair leaky faucets, showerheads, toilets, water fountains and pool basins.
- Adjusting cleaning procedures to conserve water.
- Switching from cloths to disposable paper towels to reduce laundry-related water use.
- Refraining from refilling kiddie pools and hot tubs once water quality can no longer be maintained within required regulatory limits.
In advance of water restrictions, we’ve completing water‑intensive cleaning activities, including pool backwashes, cleaning and refilling hot tubs and kiddie pools and ensuring all pools are full.
Is outdoor window or building washing permitted during restrictions?
No. Outdoor window washing is not permitted during Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions. Outdoor window washing using potable water must be paused until restrictions are lifted.
Is The City asking businesses to reduce their water use by a specific target?
The City is not setting a specific reduction target for individual businesses. To stay below 500 million litres per day, we need all Calgarians — residents and businesses — to do their part.
We’re asking businesses to look closely at their own operations and identify where they can reduce non-essential water use in ways that make sense for their operations.
What actions is The City taking to reduce water use?
The City is taking steps to reduce water use during the reinforcement work. We will be reducing vehicle and fleet washing, and having employees work from home when possible, to reduce the need for daily showers and flushes during the work day.
At City recreation facilities, we are adjusting our cleaning procedures to conserve water, inspecting showerheads, toilets, water fountains and pool basins for leaks, and making repairs where needed.
While the pools remain open for now, we will refrain from refilling kiddie pools and hot tubs once the quality of the water can no longer be maintained within required regulatory limits.
We will also be reducing ice floods at indoor arenas while still ensuring the safety of customers.
Our Athletic Parks and outdoor facilities will avoid outdoor water use altogether.
To learn more about the actions we take to conserve water year-round and during restrictions, visit calgary.ca/doingourpart
Can we get an exemption from Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions?
No, this is not possible under the Water Utility Bylaw. It remains critical that we balance demand with the available water supply to ensure we have water available to meet essential needs such as water for firefighting. To achieve the demand reduction needed, we need a temporary return to Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions, as well as indoor water reduction measures.
How the reinforcement work affects Calgary’s water system
With the reinforcement work set to begin on March 9 and taking place over four weeks, what impact will this have on our water supply?
We are planning to conduct these reinforcements just ahead of when the river flows will start to get higher, and we can refill the Glenmore Reservoir more quickly to support water supply and demand.
Right now, the reservoir storage has recovered well since the water main break in January, when the city had to draw much more water from the Glenmore Reservoir, and is now near full. Mountain snowpack is also higher-than-average this winter, so we expect to have a healthy supply heading in to spring when mountain snowmelt begins.
Once the reinforcement work to the Bearspaw Feeder Main is complete, will outdoor water restrictions still be needed?
We anticipate restrictions will be needed again in the fall when we tie in the new parallel pipe.
Outside of the reinforcement work planned, other scenarios outside of The City’s control, including another break in the feeder main or weather-related conditions such as drought or heat waves, may necessitate outdoor water restrictions and/or indoor water conservation as well. However, we are not planning to be in restrictions all summer long related to construction.
You can stay up to date on the conditions we’re monitoring on calgary.ca/drought.
How is the system operating while reinforcement work is underway?
Under normal conditions, Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant typically supplies 60% of the city and region’s water. But when the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is out of service for reinforcement work, it severely reduces how much water we can consistently supply to Calgary and surrounding region from this plant because this feeder main is one of the primary pipes that carries water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and feeds the distribution system.
As a result, the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant will be supplying the majority of the city and region’s water, approximately 75-80%, while the Bearspaw Plant will be able to contribute only 20-25% through the remaining available distribution infrastructure.
Information for the construction industry
Construction water use during Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions
How do Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions apply to concrete mixing?
Onsite concrete mixing
Mixing concrete directly at the construction site with a City potable water source is not permitted during Stage 4 Outdoor Water Use Restrictions.
On-site mixing is only permitted with non-potable water.
Batched concrete from a plant
Batched concrete at a plant is considered indoor water use and is permitted. We know not all concrete plant activities are enclosed in a building, but most are.
When the plant mixed concrete is delivered, any water-related activities (e.g. washing out trucks, finishing, curing, exposing aggregate finish) must use non-potable water. If potable water is used, it must be sourced from a non-City of Calgary supply.
Can potable water be used for creating an exposed-aggregate finish?
No, City potable water for construction purposes, including creating an exposed-aggregate finish, is not permitted; however, using non-potable water is an alternative.
We recommend alternative methods, such as air-sandblasting, be used to create exposed aggregate finishes.
Can potable water be used to wash exterior surfaces to prepare for paving/sealing, or washing a home prior to painting?
No, City potable water for renovation purposes, including washing down sidewalks, walkways, driveways, exterior building surfaces or other outdoor surfaces is not permitted during Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions; however, non-potable water may be used for these purposes.
Can potable water be used for new water line commissioning?
Pressure testing newly constructed water mains is permitted; however, chlorination and flushing is not permitted. This should not delay home building but will alter the sequencing of when a service connection is made.
Once Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions are lifted and direction has been provided by The City of Calgary, any impacted watermains are to be chlorinated, flushed and sampled as per City of Calgary specifications. Scheduling for flushing and sampling will need to be coordinated with the assigned area Utility Inspector to ensure their availability.
The following framework applies to permit pressure testing; however, flushing is not permitted.
- The City of Calgary will allow potable water from the system to be used for pressure testing only - chlorination and flushing will not be permitted.
- Once Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions are lifted and direction has been provided by The City of Calgary - any impacted watermains are to be chlorinated, flushed and sampled as per City of Calgary specifications.
- Scheduling for flushing and sampling will need to be coordinated with the assigned area Utility Inspector to ensure their availability.
Lot Servicing:
- Installation of services may be completed without initial chlorination.
- Service pigtails will not be required to be brought to the surface.
- Services cannot be connected to a dwelling until the watermain has been chlorinated, flushed and sampled as per City of Calgary specifications.
- If you are working in a municipality on the Calgary regional water system, you must work with them directly to confirm their reservoirs, and system can manage the water draw.
- The City of Calgary will allow potable water to be used to keep positive pressure on watermains during tapping of new services as per City of Calgary Standard Specifications Waterworks Construction.
Will The City permit watermain service connections to new housing units?
The City will not permit water service connection to any dwellings if the watermain has not been fully commissioned (chlorinated, flushed and sampled).
If the watermain has been fully commissioned, the dwelling can tie into the service as per standard requirements.
Please refer to the following framework. This framework does not delay home building, rather it alters the sequencing of when a service connection is made.
- The City of Calgary will allow potable water from the system to be used for pressure testing only - chlorination and flushing will not be permitted.
- Once Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions are lifted and direction has been provided by The City of Calgary - any impacted watermains are to be chlorinated, flushed and sampled as per City of Calgary specifications.
- Scheduling for flushing and sampling will need to be coordinated with the assigned area Utility Inspector to ensure their availability.
Lot Servicing:
- Installation of services may be completed without initial chlorination.
- Service pigtails will not be required to be brought to the surface.
- Services cannot be connected to a dwelling until the watermain has been chlorinated, flushed and sampled as per City of Calgary specifications.
- If you are working in a municipality on the Calgary regional water system, you must work with them directly to confirm their reservoirs, and system can manage the water draw.
- The City of Calgary will allow potable water to be used to keep positive pressure on watermains during tapping of new services as per City of Calgary Standard Specifications Waterworks Construction.
Will The City allow a temporary water supply from a hydrant if a water main must be shut off due to nearby construction?
Yes. This would be deemed indoor water use and therefore would be permitted.
Is new home warranty diagnostic testing exempt during restrictions?
No. Diagnostic testing of building assemblies using a water spray testing method is not permitted during Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions. It is recommended to use an alternate method or reschedule testing until restrictions are lifted.
Will there be a fire ban or a hot works ban?
At this time, the Calgary Fire Department does not anticipate issuing a fire ban or hot works ban during the reinforcement work; however, if conditions change due to weather or unanticipated water supply limitations, this could be reconsidered.
Access to non‑potable water
What are my alternative options to accessing non potable water?
Businesses using non-potable water sources are allowed to continue, for example, using stormwater for outdoor irrigation. The City will not be opening non-potable fill stations during the March feeder main reinforcement period and are unable to coordinate and offer direct water truck delivery services at this time.
Options for accessing non-potable water:
- Businesses may be able to get non-potable water or potable water from other regional towns, not serviced by Calgary’s water system (e.g. Cochrane, Okotoks or High River).
- Temporary Diversion Licences (TDLs): As the resource of water is managed by the province of Alberta, there is an opportunity for a business to apply for a TDL (temporary diversion licence) that would allow them to withdraw water from the river.
- Storm Ponds Under Developer Control: Storm ponds still under developer control can be used for pumping at the developer’s discretion. Using non-potable water in parks accessible to the public requires signage stating it, as water from rivers and storm ponds can be contaminated. Signs were provided to Contractors by the Inspectors in 2024, and there are a handful available if needed, for both installation on site and being affixed to water trucks.
Can I access a City of Calgary stormwater pond as a non-potable water source?
No. Access to City stormwater ponds is not permitted due to health and safety concerns, including water quality issues, traffic safety risks and potential hazards associated with storm ponds.