Calgary limits water use during dry spell

Calgary home and business owners are not allowed to water their lawns and gardens as much as they'd like now that a mandatory water restriction has been put in place.

Calgary home and business owners are not allowed to water their lawns and gardens as much as they'd like now that a mandatory water restriction has been put in place.

The order, which is now at Stage 1, means residents and businesses will only be able to use sprinklers, soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkler systems during specific days and times.

According to the city's website, even numbered addresses will be able to use them for a maximum of two hours on Wednesday or Saturday between 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Odd numbered addresses can use water on Thursday or Sunday for two hours during the same times.

There is no restriction on watering cans, hoses with shut-off sprays or watering wands that turn off when not in use.

Homeowners will also be able to use sprinklers to water new sod while businesses can use water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction or dust control.

Under the water restriction, residents are not allowed to: