Updated March 19, 2024

Conditions have improved moderately since mid-winter, but the Calgary region remains in a drought.

What we’re seeing

  • Natural river flows are low.
  • Reservoir storage in the Bow watersheds upstream from Calgary is average for this time of year. Thanks to the investment of  higher gates  at the Glenmore dam on the Elbow River, The City has been able to keep the Glenmore Reservoir as high as possible through the winter.
  • Mountain snowpack has increased since last month and is trending at below average to average.

How we’re preparing

Monitoring conditions
March and April is when the mountains typically receive the most snow and our region relies on the gradual melting of mountain snowpack and spring rains to replenish reservoirs, ensuring sufficient water supply for late summer and fall when river flows decrease.

The long-term seasonal forecast is currently predicting warmer than average temperatures this spring, which may bring an earlier snowpack melt and increased pressure on our water supply.

Along with drought risk, a rapid swing to high rainfall could still lead to river flooding conditions this spring. We continue to closely monitor conditions, while taking steps to be ready for both drought, flood, or other climate risks such as extreme heat that can make drought worse, and lead to wildfires and smoke.

Working with partners to share the available water supply
The Government of Alberta is facilitating voluntary Water Sharing Agreements, where license holders co-operate together to share the impacts of a water shortage by deciding how to share the available water supply.

Preparing for outdoor water restrictions to help conserve water
If dry conditions persist, outdoor water restrictions  may be in place as early as May 1.

We will keep citizens and businesses informed as conditions evolve and will provide an update in late April.

Current drought conditions

Together, we can make every drop count during this drought


Now is the time to do your part, big or small, to conserve water and use it wisely. Learn simple ways you can help reduce water use inside and outside your home.

Around the house

Every time you use water inside the home there’s an opportunity to conserve water. Find out more ways you can save water in your home.

Turn off water when brushing teeth, shaving

By turning off the water when brushing your teeth you can save up to 32 litres per person per day!

Run full loads of clothes and dishes

Using your laundry machine/dishwasher when it's half full uses twice the amount water.

Take shorter showers

Each five minutes you reduce can save 100 litres of water.  

Fix leaky taps and toilets

The average home could save up to 10 per cent on water use by fixing water leaks. Find out how to check for leaks and how to repair your toilet or faucet.

In your yard

As you look ahead to spring, there are many actions you can take to prepare your yard for dry conditions and make it as water efficient as possible. 

Choose water-wise plants

Check our YardSmart guide for drought-tolerant native plants that are suited for Calgary’s climate and soil conditions.

Add mulch to your garden

Mulch will reduce the amount of water that evaporates from your soil, reducing your need to water your plants. We offer free mulch at the East Calgary Landfill, year-round. 

Install a rain barrel

Capture and reuse any rainwater Mother Nature provides this season. Get details about Green Calgary’s annual rain barrel sale. 

At your business

By reducing your water use, not only are you demonstrating leadership and saving water, but it also helps businesses reduce energy and maintenance costs.

Each business is different, and you know your business best. Here are a few resources to help you get started.

Review your water use

Identify areas of your business where water consumption is highest to see if there are potential water saving opportunities.

Identify potential water-saving opportunities

  • Check your plumbing system for leaks.
  • Consider installing water-efficient fixtures and equipment.
  • Remind your staff about using water wisely.
    • Report dripping taps and running toilets to your building manager.
    • Keep post-workout and after-travel showers to five minutes.
    • Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them.
    • Only run the dishwasher when full.

Understanding droughts in Calgary


Calgary is a dry climate, but because of our proximity to the mountains we can experience unpredictable swings in the weather from heavy rains to many weeks of dry temperatures and little rain.

A drought is when there is less water available over a large physical area for a long period of time. It happens when precipitation (i.e. rain/snow), river flow and ground water are below average levels.

Key facts

  • Unlike floods, which can happen very quickly, droughts typically develop slowly over time.

  • Calgary is most at risk of experiencing the effects of a drought from mid-July to the end of September.

  • A drought can last anywhere from weeks to multiple years if the region is consistently not getting enough moisture.

Doing our part


Building resiliency to flood and drought is a top priority for The City as climate modelling tells us that Calgary will experience more severe and frequent extreme weather events such as flooding and droughts.

Monitoring

We monitor our watershed conditions year-round and increase monitoring from mid-May to mid-September where there is an increased risk of flooding and drought.

We look at many local indicators to help us predict if a drought may happen and how severe it could become. Learn more about how The City keeps an eye on our watershed.

Taking action


The information we collect through our monitoring helps us carefully manage water storage at the Glenmore Reservoir and other City-owned infrastructure. The City also collaborates with Alberta Environment and Parks, and partners such as TransAlta and downstream Irrigation Districts to manage water supply and demand along the Bow River.

During the onset of a drought, prior to declaring mandatory outdoor water restrictions, City services will voluntarily reduce their water use where and when it is safe to do so. This includes:

City parks

  • Outdoor decorative fountains will run on reduced schedules or turned off completely;
  • We will reduce outdoor watering of flowers, turf in parks (where possible) and sports fields. 
  • Watering of newly planted trees or turf will continue at a reduced rate.

City vehicles

Exterior washing of City vehicles and buses will be limited to health and safety considerations.

City buildings

Reduce outdoor watering at City-owned and operated buildings.

If drought conditions persist and a significant supply shortage exists, The City would implement one of the four stages of outdoor water restrictions to further reduce water demand.

Planning for the future


Drought Resilience Plan

Our long-term water supply and efficiency plans factor in the effects of a drought. We’ve also updated our Drought Resilience Plan (approved by Council in October 2023) that sets the long-term direction for building a city where our residents, ecosystems, and businesses are prepared to withstand and recover from the impacts of prolonged periods of dry conditions and water shortages.

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