The following is a City of Calgary release from Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.:

Calgary’s water quality remains good. There is no need to boil water as water from the tap is clean and safe to drink. Calgary’s water treatment plants are fully operational; however, systems continue to be challenged to meet the demand.

As a result, a city-wide mandatory outdoor water restriction was issued the morning of June 22, under the Water Utility Bylaw for the city of Calgary.  Effective immediately and until further notice, the use of tap water outdoors is suspended.

The following outdoor water use activities are prohibited:

  • Washing outdoor surfaces, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways of any sort.
  • Watering of lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs by any method; also ensure that sprinklers on timers are turned off.
  • Using water for filling outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools or hot tubs.
  • Using water for construction purposes such as grading or compaction.

There are exceptions to the Water Utility Bylaw. They include:

  • Washing outdoor surfaces for health and safety reasons for childcare facilities, food and beverage establishments and kennel and animal care facilities.
  • Washing of vehicles to follow health and safety regulations.
  • Watering of plants, shrubs and trees offered for sale.
  • Businesses that have a license to operate exterior window washing services and car washes.

Calgarians can continue to use captured rain water to water outdoors.  

The City of Calgary continues to restrict non-essential water use for its own operations.  Additionally, The City of Calgary continues to request that Calgarians, businesses and regional customers in Strathmore, Chestermere and Airdrie continue to restrict indoor tap water use by:

  • Limiting toilet flushing.
  • Limiting showers to five minutes or less and keeping baths shallow.
  • Delaying washing laundry.
  • Only using a dishwasher if absolutely necessary and only when you have a full load.
  • Turning off taps when brushing teeth or shaving.
  • Not washing your vehicle.

A collaborative approach to water conservation will ensure that facilities are able to satisfy the needs of everyone affected by the flooding event.

We thank Calgarians and residents of surrounding areas for their continued cooperation as we continue to respond to the situation.

Calgary remains in a state of emergency and we ask everyone to remain vigilant.