November 26, 2025
Prabh Sandhu
Calgary is preparing major updates to its 2005 Water Efficiency Plan as the city faces growing concerns about drought, climate change, and a rapidly expanding population.
Rehana Rajabali, who oversees environmental planning and policy for the city, says on RED FM that Calgary has made significant progress over the last two decades, using the same amount of water today as it did 20 years ago, despite adding half a million residents.
But that progress is beginning to stall, and long-term climate trends point to hotter summers, reduced mountain snowfall, and less predictable river flows on the Bow and Elbow.
“The city is exploring several measures aimed at reducing demand and improving conservation, including a possible tiered water billing system. Under the proposed model, households would pay a higher rate once their consumption passes a certain threshold, similar to cellphone data plans where the first few gigabytes cost less,” she said.
Calgary is also considering temporary drought surcharges that would apply only during critical periods and target excessive outdoor use, such as heavy lawn watering in late summer.
A permanent outdoor watering schedule is also on the table, allowing up to three watering days per week based on even or odd addresses, with restrictions during peak evaporation hours. Exemptions could apply to new trees, food-growing activities, and hand watering.
Rajabali says public feedback will be essential to ensuring the policies remain fair, particularly for large or multi-generational households that already use water efficiently.
Residents can share their views at engage.calgary.ca/water-efficiency.
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