As warmer weather arrives and the snow melts, Calgary officials are asking residents to stay patient before ramping up outdoor water use.

The city is nearing the halfway point of its water restrictions while reinforcement work continues on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.

Nicole Newton, the City of Calgary’s director of climate and environment, says the next few days are critical.

“When it comes to water use over the next few days, I would encourage Calgarians to hold off and just wait for us to get through these repairs,” Newton said.

On Wednesday, Calgary and surrounding communities used 501 million litres of water, just over the city’s 500‑million‑litre target. Officials say the Glenmore Reservoir is keeping up with demand for now, but warn that easing off conservation too early could put pressure on the system.

The city is also warning of additional transit delays next Tuesday and Wednesday due to a lane closure on a section of 16 Avenue NW.

Acknowledging frustration over ongoing traffic challenges tied to the feeder‑main work, operational services GM Doug Morgan says adjustments will be made where possible.

Garden centres offer water‑smart tips for spring

With gardening season around the corner, Spruce It Up Garden Centre is sharing ways residents can prepare their yards while still conserving water.

Greenhouse manager Lisa Guenther Smith says simple techniques can make a big difference, both for the city’s water supply and for plant health.

• Mulch: “That’s gonna keep the soil cooler and it’s gonna prevent the water from evaporating. So it’s gonna hold that moisture in your garden bed or around a tree a lot longer,” she said.
• Soaker hoses: These deliver slow, deep watering directly to the roots. “Your plants love that. It encourages healthier roots, which encourages healthier plants.”
• Snow storage: For the inevitable late‑season snowfall, she recommends piling snow around trees, on top of flower beds, or storing it in a rain barrel to melt slowly into the soil.

Spruce It Up operates on its own well system and even supplied water to customers during the 2024 summer restrictions.

Calgarians will be able to purchase rain barrels through the city’s annual program when it launches in early April.