It's time to get ready: Water restrictions start Wednesday, Nov. 4
The City is asking residents to get ready as city-wide water restrictions are set to begin Wednesday, Nov. 4. The restrictions are needed while crews connect the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main to the City water system, one of the final steps before the new pipe is complete. The work and restrictions are expected to last approximately four weeks.
Calgarians, and neighbours in Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Tsuut'ina Nation are asked to help reduce water use by:
- Not using water outdoors, including for flooding outdoor skating rinks.
- Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Flushing toilets only when required.
- Taking shorter showers, aiming for three minutes or less.
Water restrictions apply to all residents and businesses.
With two days to go before restrictions start, The City is encouraging people to start preparing. Calgarians can get ahead by completing water-intensive tasks such as:
- Washing your vehicle at a car wash.
- Catching up on laundry.
- Finishing fall household cleaning.
We’re also encouraging everyone to help spread the word that water restrictions begin Wednesday, Nov. 4. Please share this information with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.
Why restrictions are needed
To safely connect the new pipe to our system, the existing feeder main must be temporarily shut down, significantly reducing the amount of water that can be distributed across the city and region. During this time, The City will rely primarily on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to supply water services to everyone.
To continue providing reliable water service, maintain enough water for fighting fires, and keep the water system working well, we need water demand to stay below 500 million litres per day. Staying at or below this number will help keep Calgary out of the “risky red zone” where demand could affect our ability to provide the water service Calgary and the region count on every day.
“The actions we’re asking people to take target some of the biggest opportunities to save water at home. When the whole community and region all do their part, it adds up to big water savings and allows us to continue to provide the water services you count on," says Michael Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of the City of Calgary Water Utility. “Calgary and the region have met this challenge in the past, and we are confident they will step up and deliver again as we are in the homestretch of this essential work.”
Once restrictions are in place, The City will provide daily updates on how water demand is tracking compared to the target. Information and water saving tips can be found at calgary.ca/savewater.