Albertans' water use typically increases by 50% during the summer months. In the City of Calgary, water demand peaks in June, July and August when the maximum total system water demand is around 824 millions of litres per day. That's almost 400 million litres per day more than a typical day between September and May.

Who is demanding more water?

According to the City of Calgary, residential customers account for 52% of the total annual water treated and distributed in the city. Additional water demand during the spring and summer is attributed to significant increases in "outdoor" residential water use such as lawn and garden watering. Outdoor water use can increase daily residential water use by up to 50%.

Despite the fact that Calgary is growing and the population of the city continues to increase, water use per person in Calgary has actually decreased steadily since the late 1980s. This reduction is attributed to water conservation efforts including conservation programs and increasing water efficiency in homes and water infrastructure.

But do not be fooled! Calgarians still use more water per day than the average North American and almost twice as much as the average European. The average water use by a Calgarian is 458 L/person/day. Meanwhile, an average amount of water used per person in North America is 350 L/person/day and in Europe is less that 200 L/person/day.

We still have a long way to go to becoming leaders in water conservation in the Bow watershed.

What are the impacts of increased outdoor water use?

City spring and summer demand for water are not the only demands on the Bow River. Irrigation pressures and licensed water withdrawals, as well as the biological, physical, and climatic changes such wildlife migration, flooding, and snowpack melt place pressure on the Bow River watershed. Significant increases in outdoor water use put additional pressure on our already stressed Bow River watershed.

Water quality and quantity impacts related to increased outdoor water use:

• Increases in Peak Flow Rates and Runoff Volumes leading to Flooding, Erosion, and Channel Widening;
• High Nutrient and Sediment Loadings;
• Low Dissolved Oxygen;
• Changes in Water Temperature;
• Mobilization of Chemicals (e.g. lawn fertilizers) and Deposition in Watercourses

Reduced Biodiversity.

What can you do?

Many things can be done to be more water wise during the spring and summer. See 30 tips for using water more wisely in your own backyard. Together, we can be role models for our neighbours and make a difference.