Calgary warns outdoor water restrictions may be coming

Calgary is warning it may restrict outdoor water use by May if dry conditions keep up.

And a big dump of snow in the forecast this week likely won't be enough to change the outlook.

In the meantime, Mayor Jyoti Gondek is urging Calgarians to use less water at home.

That can mean taking shorter showers, running only full laundry and dishwater loads and turning off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.

Gondek says drought is one of the biggest hazards climate change poses to the city at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers.

She says the city is doing its part by cleaning its vehicles and watering parks less often, as well as turning off fountains and planting drought-resistant vegetation.

"We're getting people prepared for conservation and, if the restrictions have to be put in place, at least they will be ready," Gondek told a news conference Tuesday.

"And so the flag is up. There will more than likely be persistent drought conditions and, if restrictions come, it will be a decision that administration is making in May. But we don't want that to be a surprise to Calgarians."

According to Gondek, water usage in Calgary has reduced by 30 per cent thanks to infrastructure changes.

"We've been doing universal metering across the city and we have a leak detection program that's helped us immensely," she said.

"We're better equipped to respond to both drought and flood risk because of our investment in higher gates at the Glenmore Dam, which has increased the Glenmore reservoir storage capacity by 60 per cent and it also serves as flood protection for downstream communities."

Above-average snowpack needed

Environment Canada is predicting up to 25 centimetres of snow in southern Alberta over the next few days.

Nicole Newton, the city's manager of natural environment and adaptation, said the moisture is welcome, but there needs to be melt from an above-average snowpack in the Rocky Mountains to break the drought.

"March and April is when the mountains typically receive most of their snow," she said.

"Our region relies on the gradual melting of mountain snowpack and spring rains to replenish reservoirs, ensuring sufficient water supply."

Lessons from last year

Calgary restricted outdoor water use between August and October last year, with residents told to take turns washing cars and watering lawns.

According to Gondek, Calgarians stepped up to conserve water and did an impressive job, saving as much as 1.5 billion litres, or the "equivalent of 606 Olympic-sized swimming pools."

"It's in Calgarians' nature to answer the call when we are in a situation that requires assistance, and this year will be no different," Gondek said.

Newton echoed this sentiment and said it's crucial to encourage prompt and transparent communication.

"Some of the key things that we learned from last year was really about communicating early and communicating often, which is why we're having this conversation today," she said. 

"It's important to enable Calgarians and businesses to take steps to be prepared for what actions that they might be able to take."