Mandatory restrictions issued for outdoor water use in Calgary

Calgarians are now under a mandatory water restriction limiting when and how they use water outdoors for activities like yard work and washing.

The city says dry conditions, record-low river flow levels and an anticipated warm dry, winter are the reason for introducing Stage 1 restrictions.

Under Stage 1, Calgarians are limited to watering their lawns for maximum total of two hours on two set days per week, and during set hours.

Sprinklers, soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkling systems can all be used, but at set times.

People with homes/unit addresses that have even numbers can water on Wednesday or Saturday between either:

People with homes/units ending in odd numbers can water on Thursday or Sunday between either:

The city says you can water gardens, trees shrubs with a hose that shuts off at any time. Watering new sod or lawn seed is also allowed, as is filling an outdoor pool, or using water for construction purposes like dust control.

Under these restrictions, water may not be used for at-home car washing, washing sidewalks, driveways or walkways, washing windows, cleaning exterior building surfaces or filling outdoor water features.

Business are allowed some exceptions like washing vehicles to follow health and safety regulations, watering plants, shrubs and trees for commercial sale, washing outdoor surfaces at facilities like restaurants, daycares and animal care operations.

Licensed exterior window washing services and car washes are still able to operate.