Update as of October 14, 2026
October 14 [Calgary, AB] - Starting November 4, Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions and indoor water conservation measures will be in effect for approximately four weeks while crews connect the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main to Calgary's existing water system.
Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions mean no outdoor water use is permitted, including:
- No watering lawns, gardens, flowers, trees or shrubs using City water.
- No washing down outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways or walkways, unless required for health and safety reasons.
- No filling outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools or hot tubs.
- No water use for construction purposes such as grading, compaction or dust control. For details on how restrictions apply to the construction industry, visit this webpage.
- No washing vehicles outdoors, unless required for health and safety reasons.
- No outdoor snow or ice making.
The stage four restrictions were originally planned to begin this week, but due to supply chain delays the work has been pushed back. This is great news for the landscape industry as it allows crucial work to continue through to the beginning of November. After November 4th, members should plan that any outdoor water usage is done using non-potable sources from surrounding areas. We will continue to updated industry through the process, including updates to prepare for spring 2027.
Update as of September 11, 2026
*UPDATE 1*
The City of Calgary has updated Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will starting the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days, at this time they DO NOT anticipate any water restrictions during the repairs. The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system. Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.
*UPDATE 2*
Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October are still on but will now be delayed by one or two weeks to late October. (with work planned for 4 weeks once started). 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 will continue to work with the City of Calgary to bring you updates as we approach the critical end of year push.
Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here. https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html
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.