Skip to content

Calgary loosening outdoor water restrictions as extreme heat continues

5755ef812bd0799a862f4c20407b04f01934de52492027eee532015edb07d084
Downtown Calgary and the Bow River are seen from the air on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Calgary residents can now turn on their sprinklers for longer as the city swelters under an extreme heat warning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON — Calgary residents can now turn on their sprinklers for longer as the city swelters under an extreme heat warning.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek says outdoor watering restrictions may be fully lifted within days, but for now residents can turn on their hoses for up to two hours twice a week to water grass and outdoor plants.

Michael Thompson, Calgary's infrastructure services general manager, says operational pump issues have been fixed, but other mechanical problems need to be resolved before the city can give the full green light.

He says the city's water system is approaching 75 per cent capacity, but how it can meet that demand depends on usage.

Outdoor watering restrictions have been in place since a catastrophic water main break on June 5, with a ban on all outdoor water use loosened last week.

Voluntary restrictions on indoor water use were lifted three weeks ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2024.

The Canadian Press

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks