08-07-2025
Calgary's warm weather prompts warning against using excessive water from city
A stock photo of a toddler playing with a hose outside. (Unsplash/Phil Goodwin)
The City of Calgary is warning residents to avoid using water excessively amid the hot summer weather.
According to city officials, Calgary's water demand can increase by 30 to 40 per cent on hot days – particularly from lawn and yard watering – putting extra strain on the water system.
'We're closely monitoring river and weather conditions and watching the impacts of sustained heat and water demands,' said Nicole Newton, the city's manager of natural environment and adaptation, in a Tuesday news release.
'On Calgary's hottest days, every effort to manage outdoor water use when watering lawns and yards helps maintain a reliable water supply for everyone.'
The warning was issued on one of the hottest days of the summer so far, with the temperature expected to climb to 31 C.
'We're hopeful that temperatures ease up and a prolonged heat wave doesn't materialize,' Newton said. 'In the meantime, we're closely monitoring conditions and are confident that, with everyone's help, we can make every drop count. We'll continue to keep Calgarians informed if anything changes.'
The city has the following tips for managing outdoor water use:
Reduce how long you water outdoors: You can achieve this by cutting your watering time by 5-10 minutes per session;
Skipping a watering day: Healthy lawns only need one inch of water per week, including rainfall;
Water during cooler hours: Water your lawn and garden in the late evening or early morning to reduce evaporation;
Keep your grass three inches long: Longer grass keeps roots cool, helping your lawn handle dry conditions; and,
Use a rain barrel: Rain barrels are a great way to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard.
The City of Calgary has recently expanded its rain barrel rebate program due to strong participation from residents.
Those who purchased a rain barrel after March 31 can submit an application form with their receipt to get $50 back.
Originally, the rebate program was set to max out at 3,000 rain barrels, but it was later expanded to 5,000.
