'Every drop counts': City of Calgary encouraging residents to reduce water usage
The City of Calgary has announced its implementation of a water reductions advisory, which will go into effect immediately as a way of encouraging Calgarians to voluntarily reduce their water usage.
“At the City of Calgary, we've continued to reduce our water use and look for more ways to conserve water in our day-to-day operations,” said Nicole Newton, manager of natural environment and adaptation.
“We are strongly advising Calgarians to join us in this effort to help manage the water supply in the Bow and Elbow rivers. Calgarians can start now by reducing water and theirs as they begin their yard work this spring.”
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Actions recommended for residents include making sure to always check the weather forecast and avoid watering if rain is expected.
The city also advised to only water lawns early in the morning or late in the evening to help “make every drop count” and to start limiting outdoor watering to a maximum of four hours per week.
“It's a good responsible approach to guide your efforts in gardening this year in Calgary's dry climate and helps Calgarians prepare for drier conditions and when water restrictions are in place later this season,” Newton added.
In June, the city will bring forward changes to its water utility bylaw and provide an update to Calgary’s drought response as dry conditions persist in southern Alberta.
When the bylaw is passed, plans will be implemented at that time which will include appropriate water scheduling stages and work with businesses to help them understand the requirements.
Moving forward, the city says it will continue to monitor many indicators of drought, especially how quickly the mountain snowpack melts and the amount of spring rain the Calgary region receives to inform on upcoming water restrictions.
This comes on the heels of the Government of Alberta announcing its finalization of water-sharing agreements, including one for the Bow River Basin.
If the Bow River water sharing agreement is activated this season, in response to conditions in the Bow River Basin, Calgary is committed to implementing drought response measures that collectively could achieve a five to 10 per cent reduction in overall water use.
Since February, Alberta's drought command team has been in negotiations with major water licence holders.
They have been developing water-sharing agreements for the Red Deer River, Bow River and Old Man River.
This comes as wildfire season is underway in Alberta, with a heightened risk due to drought.
As of April 19, there are 48 wildfires burning in the province, according to the Alberta Wildfire status dashboard.
Forty-four are under control and four are being held.
Over 130 wildfires have been extinguished this season.
Of those, 70 per cent are suspected to be started by people.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
COMING UP @ 3:30 P.M. City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.