Water Managed Sites
What is a Water Managed Site?
A Water Managed Site is a property with an in-ground irrigation system certified by The City of Calgary for water efficiency. Properties must have an in-ground irrigation system that uses either climatic or historical weather data to set watering schedules and require a system audit completed by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.
How can my site become a Water Managed Site?
All residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers may apply to become a Water Managed Site. To become a Certified Water Managed Site, your property will need to meet these requirements.
- A Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor must visit your property to assess your in-ground sprinkler system.
- Water used for the in-ground sprinkler system must be connected to a water meter.
- Your in-ground sprinkler system must meet all of the criteria for Tier 1 or Tier 2 (system requirements are listed in the table below).
Rain Switch | Flow Sensor | Master Valve | Irrigation Meter | Audit completed annually | Audit completed biannually | Automatic controller | Central controller | Audited for system efficiency | ET based system scheduling | Real time weather based scheduling | |
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Tier 2 | ![]() |
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What are the benefits of a Water Managed Site?
- 20 to 40 per cent savings when in-ground sprinkler systems are programmed for efficiency.
- Ensure a lasting supply of water for future generations.
- Reduce strain on water treatment plants.
- Certification as a Water Managed Site indicates that you are using water efficiently. As such, you are less restricted with watering practices during times of water restrictions. For more information see "Schedule E" of the Water Utility Bylaw 40M2006.
How do I apply to become a Water Managed Site?
Step 1: Print and complete a Water Managed Site application.
Step 2: Contact a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor. Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors (CLIA) are certified by the Irrigation Association. A list of local, certified auditors can be found on the Irrigation Association - Certification Directory.
Step 3: Have your Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor visit your property to conduct the audit. The auditor will produce an audit report and as-built drawings of your irrigation system. The cost of this work will be unique to each site, please discuss this with your Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.
Step 4: Complete and submit these forms:
- Water Managed Site Application Form
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor's report
- In-ground sprinkler system as-built drawings
- Send to: Water Managed Sites
City of Calgary, Water Services
#433 P.O. Box 2100, Station M
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
Step 5: Once the application has been received, The City of Calgary will contact you within 10 business days to acknowledge that the application has been received, and is undergoing the review process.
Step 6: When the review is complete, The City of Calgary will notify the applicant of the status of the Water Managed Sites application, and will provide notification in writing on Tier 1 or Tier 2 designation (if applicable).
How will my property be identified as a Water Managed Site?
All certified Water Managed Sites will receive a letter from The City of Calgary identifying their property as a registered Water Managed Site. During watering restrictions, Bylaw Services will be provided with a list of Water Managed Sites.
Does a Water Managed Site ever have to be re-certified?
All certified Water Managed Sites require an audit by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor once every two years (Tier 1) or annually (Tier 2) to maintain certification.
How can I save water if I don’t have an in-ground irrigation system?
You can still help conserve water and have a beautiful yard by using these outdoor water conservation tips and tools.