The City of Calgary has informed Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will likely require Stage 2 water restrictions beginning the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days. The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.
Stage 2 does not eliminate outdoor water usage but does require some activities to be reduced. Changes include:
- Lawn watering, existing. Reduced to 1 x per week between 19:00h and 10:00h. Tier One water managed sites reduce watering by 20% and Tier Two by 25%.
- Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs, established. Reduce to 1 x per week as above. Exception for hand watering.
- Watering new grass seed (21 days) & sod (45 days). Water Managed Sites must reduce water usage by 20% for Tier One and 25% for Tier Two.
- Watering for new trees and shrubs (5 years).
- Watering edible food crops. Allowed
- Watering plants for commercial sale or donation.
- Testing and auditing of irrigation systems. Allowed.
- Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways. Not allowed.
- Filling of fountains or decorative features. Not allowed.
- Water use for construction or renovation purposes.
Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here. https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html
The above summary of impacts from Stage 2 restrictions is in addition to the previously announced Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October. Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources. There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4. Landscape Alberta is working with the City of Calgary to explore options for non-potable water sources for the landscape industry during the end of season push.