No water restrictions right now, but Calgary is adopting conservation measures

March 19, 2024 Canuck

There are no serious water restrictions in the cards, but the City of Calgary will be doing its part to save water.

Calgary is experiencing drought conditions currently, with experts expecting a higher-than-average risk of drought conditions persisting across the region in the coming months.

The city says it’s adjusting operations to conserve water and is calling on Calgarians to do the same.

“It’s critical that we work together to do our part and incorporate water conservation into our daily routines this year,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek during a Tuesday news conference.

She said Calgarians have done well to conserve water over the past 20 years, which is significant when the city has grown by about half a million people in that time.

“It’s in Calgarians’ nature to answer the call when an emergent situation arises, and I know this year will be no different,” she said.

The city says all residents are being asked to conserve water in the coming weeks as spring settles in.

Officials are offering a number of tips to cut down on water usage, such as taking shorter showers, running dishwashers only when they’re full and turning off the tap when shaving or brushing teeth.

In their yards, Calgarians are also asked to considering setting up a rain barrel and adding mulch to their garden to prevent water from evaporating too quickly from the soil.

City also conserving water

While asking residents to adopt water-saving measures, the city will also be doing its part.

That means city vehicles will go longer between washes, parks might be looking a bit less green and fountains may be switched off during different times.

Officials say when outdoor water use can’t be avoided, crews will be using storm water whenever possible to water golf courses, parks and flower baskets.

While there are no water restrictions in place right now, the city says that could change by as early as May 1.

Officials say if dry conditions persist, there could be outdoor water restrictions.

“(That’s to) ensure there is enough water to meet Calgary’s essential needs including water for drinking and fighting fires, as well as to support our neighbours and river health,” said Nicole Newton, Calgary’s manager of natural environment and adaptation.

Dry conditions throughout southern Alberta

According to the province, many areas of Alberta are currently dealing with drought conditions, particularly in the southern portion of the province

Right now, Alberta is in Stage 4 (out of 5) in its water shortage management response plan.

Kelly Black, an assistant professor and research chair at the University of Calgary, says municipalities must cooperate and be proactive rather than reactive regarding water use.

“It’s really important we talk about what we are using our water for, and why and are we using our water responsibly and sustainably,” she said.

Black says that as a society, we should examine our water use and consider things like if we really need to use drinking quality water for things like flushing the toilet.

While industry and agriculture use a large amount of water, Black notes individuals also have a big role in conservation.

“It doesn’t take you long to get up to 200 litres of water a day just in you using your water, and that’s not even considering you watering your lawn or washing your car, which is something I’ve seen a lot of in the summer months.”

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