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City of Airdrie Implements Stage Two Water Restrictions in Response to Drought Conditions

AIRDRIE, Aug. 14, 2023 – Starting Aug. 15, the City of Airdrie will initiate Stage Two water restrictions, aligning with The City of Calgary, driven by the continued dry conditions and record low natural flow levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers. These water restrictions, in accordance with Airdrie's Waterworks Bylaw, encompass several measures aimed at reducing water consumption while safeguarding essential services.

"We recognize the year-round significance of water conservation but it is especially important during these conditions," said Mayor Peter Brown. "Rest assured, the quality of our drinking water remains high, yet your cooperation in adopting water conservation methods is pivotal in preserving our water supply during drought conditions."

Stage Two Water Restrictions Overview:

  • Watering of lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs is restricted to one day per week, (choose a day permitted for your address in the watering schedule) for a maximum of one hour, between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., or 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
  • Residents and businesses can continue to water gardens, trees and shrubs using handheld containers and spring-loaded nozzles, (avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.)
  • Cleaning building exteriors and windows is not permitted.
  • Filling recreational water bodies, including hot tubs, swimming, and wading pools, is not permitted.
  • Filling fountains and other decorative features is not permitted.
  • Water use for construction purposes, including grading, compaction, and dust control, is permitted.

“These restrictions are necessary to ensure that we can continue to meet the water needs of our community and preserve this essential resource for the future,” said Eugene Lund, Operations Manager. “The City of Airdrie remains committed to being a responsible steward of our water resources, taking additional measures to conserve water in our City operations."

The City of Airdrie is taking the following actions to conserve water:

  • Reducing outdoor watering of sports fields to once a week.
  • Limiting outdoor watering at City-owned and operated park spaces, buildings and school sites to once per week.
  • Decreasing the exterior washing of City vehicles and buses.
  • Continuing to hand-water new tree plantings, hanging baskets and annuals.

Airdrie is among over 10 municipalities reliant on the Bow and Elbow Rivers for their water supply. Airdrie gets our water through the City of Calgary water treatment and distribution infrastructure, which underscores the interconnectedness of our region's water resources. The City of Calgary has taken proactive steps to manage their available water storage at the Glenmore Reservoir and other City-owned infrastructure. As conditions continue to evolve, the City of Airdrie is committed to keeping our community informed with timely updates, accessible online.

For concerns about enforcement, residents are urged to contact Water Services. For water conservation tips, the complete Waterworks Bylaw and Water Services contact information, please visit www.airdrie.ca/wateringschedule.

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