Update July 24: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage
Yesterday we moved from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions. The main change is that all residents and businesses in Calgary can now use sprinklers, soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkling systems for an extra hour per week based on a set schedule.
Under Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions, we are still being mindful of our water supply and demand. This schedule helps spread water usage evenly across the city and during the week to help use balance demand. Additionally, the three days during the week where no watering is allowed gives our underground reservoirs a chance to refill so that we can keep enough water stored in our system.
Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions
As a reminder, Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions allow for use of a sprinkler, soaker hose or in-ground sprinkling system (including testing) for up to two hours a week, on a set schedule among other things.
- House numbers ending with an even number can water on Wednesdays or Saturdays
- House numbers ending with an odd number can water on Thursdays or Sundays
- Water use is recommended in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation during the hottest part of the day.
The following is allowed at any time:
- Watering with a hose that has a trigger spray nozzle or drip irrigation
- Hand watering using a watering can or other container
- Watering new grass with a sprinkler or irrigation system
- Water use for pesticide or fertilizer application
The following is not allowed at any time:
- Washing driveways and sidewalks
- Washing windows or exterior building surfaces, unless it is done by a business licensed to perform this service
- Filling fountains and decorative water features, except for bird baths, which are allowed
- Washing your car or other vehicles with water in the driveway or street
These restrictions continue to apply to all customers who use City water. This includes all Calgary residences, businesses and City operations.
For more details on what is allowed under Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions, please visit calgary.ca/restrictions.
What’s new
Tuesday’s water demand was 631 million litres, which aligns with our expectations in lowering to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions and the current heatwave.
We are happy to share that the water main break that occurred in the Beltline yesterday has been repaired and water was restored last night. Water main breaks of this size are not unusual. For updates on water outages, please visit calgary.ca/wateroutages or call 311.
Next steps
Maintenance work at our water treatment plants has been completed and both plants are continuing to operate well, which gives us confidence that our system is ready to manage a higher water demand if things remain stable.
Today, we are activating an additional pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. If everything goes smoothly, this could increase our water flow to 75% through the feeder main.
We will be closely monitoring the system for the next few days, keeping an eye on water pressure, listening for wire snaps and tracking water demand. This information will help us decide if we can lift the current Outdoor Water Restrictions.
For more information on restrictions and frequently asked questions, visit calgary.ca/restrictions.