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  • New! The boil water advisory has been lifted for Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay and West Hillhurst. Repairs are continuing on 16 Ave NW. All Calgarians should continue to conserve water. View more details.

Fall checklist

Protecting Calgary’s precious water resources is a shared responsibility among The City of Calgary, businesses and Calgarians.

There are many actions you can take to ensure your home is water-efficient and prepared for winter. This simple fall checklist is a great place to start. 

Discover a library of tips and tools for creating a water-efficient home.

Homeowner Water Guide

Outdoor

Around the yard

  • Check the Watering 101 Guide to find out when to stop watering shrubs and trees.
  • Consult the YardSmart plant list for any seasonal additions (e.g., bulbs).
  • Leave plant debris in beds over winter to help retain soil moisture and support pollinators and other beneficial insects.
  • Add mulch around perennials and trees to protect roots from frost.
  • Prune trees and shrubs as appropriate for the season (follow best-practice guidance).
  • Let your lawn go dormant — stop watering and stop cutting.

Maintenance

  • Turn off the outdoor water supply to avoid winter leaks. Disconnect and drain hoses; store them indoors.
  • Winterize and shut down your irrigation system to prevent freezing and leaks (drain/blow out lines, shut the controller, protect the backflow device as required).
  • Clean and winterize your rain barrel (drain completely, disconnect the diverter, store upside down or indoors).
  • Optional: Insulate exterior hose bibs and exposed pipes to reduce freeze damage.

Indoor

  • Check for leaks in toilets, taps (faucets), humidifier, hot water heater, water softener and other water-using devices.
  • Use your water meter to check for sneaky leaks every six months as part of regular home maintenance.
  • Check your sump pump for leaks or damage.
  • Clean the backflow valve in your basement (if present).
  • Consider replacing old appliances (dishwasher/washing machine) with high-efficiency models.
  • Consider replacing older toilets, faucets and showerheads with WaterSense-approved models.
  • Service your hot water heater, water softener and humidifier.
  • Use the Homeowner Water Guide for step-by-step instructions on fixing toilet and faucet leaks.

Homeowner Water Guides for the Spring and Fall Checklist

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