Once the city comes out on the other side of the water crisis prompted by a feedermain break in Bowness last week, the schedule for when Calgarians can water their lawn may be forever changed.
Calgary’s executive committee is making tweaks to a bylaw Tuesday that could lead to a permanent watering schedule.
If council approves changes, Calgarians may only be allowed to use outdoor sprinklers two days per week — up to three hours overnight between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m.
However, watering gardens by hand may continue any time of day.
READ MORE: Calgary to get permanent watering schedule; restrictions still possible
A 2021 survey on drought resilience found around seven in ten Calgary residents showed strong support for outdoor watering schedules.
Seasonal demand pressures place strain on infrastructure and rivers, and while this means a change in habits, the city says the tweaks will help support water conservation as a normal part of everyday life.
The city says it’s aware water use restrictions can have disproportionate economic impacts on certain industries like landscaping and construction.
As Calgary grows exponentially, the city has committed to reducing its water consumption by 30 per cent over 30 years, and says it has acheived this target 10 years ahead of schedule.
Administration will return with an update to its water efficiency plan in 2025.