Calgary eyeing move to Stage 1 water restrictions early next week

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says teams are continuing to forecast a move to Stage 1 outdoor water restrictions could come early next week.

"Since we turned on that additional pump on Monday, [teams] have not detected any additional wire snaps," Gondek said during a livestream Friday morning. 

"The team is forecasting that if all continues to go smoothly, and as anticipated, there may be a move towards Stage 1 restrictions early next week."

On Thursday, Gondek announced the city would be able to ratchet its water restrictions down another notch.

She said the city was moving to Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions, meaning residents will finally be able to water their parched gardens and lawns, though with some limitations.

Under Stage 2, sprinklers, soaker hoses and in-ground sprinkling systems are allowed to be used for up to one hour only per week. As well, people are permitted to water only on certain days, depending on their address or, in the case of multi-unit buildings, their unit number. 

House numbers ending with an even number can use a sprinkler Wednesday or Saturday, while house numbers ending with an odd number can use a sprinkler Thursday or Sunday.

Full details of the city's outdoor watering schedule can be found here. 

There are some instances when people can use outdoor watering without following the city's schedule. Those include watering with a hose that has a trigger spray nozzle or drip irrigation, hand watering using a watering can or other container, watering new grass with a sprinkler or irrigation system, and water use for pesticide or fertilizer application.

Some activities remain banned, including outdoor washing of cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways. Filling fountains or other decorative features, except bird baths, is not permitted.

Professional window washers, however, are able to resume their work.

People who violate the restrictions face fines starting at $600.

City officials will provide an additional update on Friday afternoon.

Tricia Stadnyk, Canada Research Chair in hydrologic modelling and professor with the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering, tells CBC News that the city has fared well overall in gradually increasing water flow to the Bearspaw feeder main.