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Calgary's 2024 drought response actions

Current status

With a higher-than-average risk of drought conditions persisting or intensifying across the province this year, Calgary has agreed through a Water Sharing Memorandum of Understanding to share water with major water licensees in the Bow River watershed, if severe drought conditions develop this summer. 

Depending on conditions in the Bow River Basin, if activated, Calgary is committed to implementing measures to reduce overall water use by 5-10 per cent.

As of May 2024, the Water Sharing Memorandum of Understanding for the Bow Basin is not activated, but we are taking some proactive measures to be prepared and elevate our water conservation efforts.

We’re monitoring conditions and coordinating with the region

Watershed conditions and drought indicators are monitored year-round and increase from mid-May to mid-September when there is an increased risk of drought.

We look at many indicators to help us predict if a drought may happen, how severe it could become and to inform our response. Some of these indicators include:

  • River flows
  • Mountain snowpack
  • Reservoir levels and storage throughout the basin, and projected water demand
  • Soil moisture
  • Weather forecasts

Based on these indicators, we’re coordinating with license holders in the Bow River Basin to determine whether water sharing needs to be enacted.

Monthly updates are provided to the public on current drought conditions, how The City is responding and actions we need Calgarians to take.

Calgary's current drought status

We're elevating our water conservations efforts

City operations are leading by example

In response to this year’s conditions, across our City operations, we’re proactively taking steps to make every drop count and further reduce our water use.

Learn how we're conserving water

Encouraging Calgarians to conserve water and use it wisely

Through various public awareness campaigns this season, we’re encouraging Calgarians to make every drop count. 

  • Drought awareness

    Tips for residents and businesses to conserve water both indoors and outdoors.

  • Rain barrels

    Buy a subsidized rain barrel at Green Calgary's annual sale.

  • Detect and fix leaks

    Check for leaks, inside and outside your home, to help conserve water.

  • Waterwise gardening

    Create a beautiful, water-wise yard that's easy to maintain and suited to Calgary's unique climate.

  • Become a water managed site

    Learn about this City-certified program for highly water efficient irrigation systems.

Introducing an outdoor watering schedule

This June, The City will bring forward to Council for approval an outdoor watering schedule that reinforces simple, best practices for efficient outdoor water use in our dry climate with guidance on how long and what time of day to water.

Status: In development

We're ready to enact outdoor water restrictions

Depending on the conditions, Calgary has four stages of mandatory outdoor water restrictions that can be enacted to meet our essential needs, including human health and life safety, like hospitals and fighting fires, water for drinking, as well as to support our neighbours downstream and river health.

These restrictions place limitations on how and when water can be used outdoors. They are in accordance with the Water Utility Bylaw 40M2006.

Restrictions apply to Calgary residences, businesses, customers and City operations.

Status: Ready to implement, when needed.

Learn about outdoor water restrictions
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