Airdrie is currently under level four outdoor water restrictions. Outdoor watering banned. Learn more
The City of Calgary has closed the Bearspaw South feeder main to address urgent repairs at 16 points of weakness in the system. This planned maintenance is essential to ensure the stability of our water supply and reduce the risk of unplanned failures, especially before winter. As a result, we need to reduce indoor water usage and return to Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions, which means no outdoor water use will be allowed. We ask all residents and businesses to conserve water and aim for a 25 per cent reduction in usage. While these measures are in place, we will not be requesting the closure of businesses or recreational facilities such as pools and arenas.
Our goal is to resume regular water flow while ensuring the long-term stability of Airdrie’s water supply. Your cooperation is crucial to making these necessary repairs successful.
Additionally, the Airdrie Fire Department has paused training to help conserve water. The bulk water stations will be closed. The Chinook Winds spray park will be closed. The parks department will be using non-potable water to water trees, shrubs and flowers.
Please note: starting Aug. 26, our Parks department will begin winterizing irrigation systems. This involves using compressed air to clear water from the systems. The process will take a few weeks to complete across the City.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
View the water use schedule to see restrictions at each level
July 23 update:
July 15 update:
July 11, water restriction update:
Under our Level 3 Water Restrictions, the City of Airdrie allows for the filling of recreational water bodies, including hot tubs swimming and wading pools with the issuance of a Water Use Exception Permit. Given the prevailing weather conditions and to align our requirements with those of the City of Calgary and regional partners, we have decided to waive this requirement until further notice.
July 6, noon water restriction update:
As part of the gradual return to service plan for the recently repaired City of Calgary water feeder main, the City of Airdrie has moved from Level 4 to Level 3 watering restrictions. This means that while some outdoor water restrictions will remain in effect, the following outdoor water activities are now permitted:
Chinook Winds Spray Park set to open July 7
July 2, 12 p.m. water restriction update:
July 1, 1 p.m. water restriction update:
June 27, 1 p.m. water restriction update:
June 25, 3 p.m. water restriction update:
June 24, 3 p.m. water restriction update:
June 22, 11 a.m. water restriction update:
June 17, 3:30 p.m. water restriction update:
June 16, 11 a.m. water restriction update:
June 13, 4:30 p.m. water restriction update:
Airdrie currently receives water through three feeder mains from The City of Calgary, which can supply water to a population of over 98,500 people, including all current business uses. However, to accommodate future growth and maintain an acceptable level of redundancy, a fourth feeder main will be required. Planning for this additional feeder main is already underway, with design and construction anticipated to take place in stages over the next three to six years, subject to the approval of Council.
Some residents have asked about the possibility of Airdrie securing its own water source or exploring alternatives to relying on Calgary. Due to our topography and geography, the Bow River basin is the only feasible water source for Airdrie. Provincial regulations require water taken from one drainage basin to be returned to the same basin (the Bow River is in a distinct drainage basin). Using another source, like the Red Deer River (which is in another distinct drainage basin), would require expensive new infrastructure for both water and wastewater which would far exceed the cost of the infrastructure to get and return water to Calgary. Although existing Provincial water licenses may be transferred or reclassified, no new licenses are being issued for water withdrawals from these rivers. Local sources like Nose Creek and East Lake can't supply enough water for our city of over 80,000 people.
Airdrie has had a reliable water supply agreement with Calgary for over 45 years, with disruptions being very rare. Calgary provides high-quality potable water which originates from the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Airdrie has invested tens of millions of dollars in water and sewer infrastructure connected to Calgary. Building new infrastructure for a different source would likely cost well in excess of $100 million. Funding new infrastructure would mean higher utility rates or taxes, impacting all residents and businesses. Considering the rarity of supply disruptions, the cost of new infrastructure is not be justified. Our primary focus remains on optimizing our existing infrastructure and planning for future expansions in collaboration with The City of Calgary.
To maintain the quality and safety of our water supply, the City of Airdrie conducts regular maintenance and compliance checks as part of our annual operations program. This includes water main replacements and repairs based on annual assessments and prioritization of needs.
In the event of major water main breaks, Airdrie has contingency plans in place to ensure a continued water supply. Our water reserves are managed to provide temporary relief and maintain essential services while repairs are conducted.
The average Airdrie resident uses 250 litres of water per day. That’s the equivalent of two full bathtubs of water per person - every day!
Save money and reduce water use on water bills using these water conservation tips.
The City of Airdrie is one of over 10 municipalities that rely on the Bow and Elbow rivers for their water supply. These rivers supply drinking water, provide habitats for plant and aquatic life and are also vital for agriculture, recreation, tourism and industry. With so much depending on these rivers, it is important that we manage our water consumption to ensure long-term sustainability for all water users.
For more information, check out these links:
In our continuous effort to conserve water and protect our environment, the City of Airdrie has implemented several initiatives across various facilities. Here's a look at how we're making a difference:
Water Services:
Genesis Place:
Airdrie Fire Department:
Ron Ebbesen and Genesis Place:
Parks and public facilities:
Watering according to the City of Airdrie's watering schedule is a great start to conserving water usage in the yard. Here are a few more ways to efficiently use and reuse water outside.
Reducing the amount of water your family uses is as easy as becoming aware of how you use water, changing your water use habits and ensuring leaks are repaired.
To help reduce water use while rinsing your recyclables, consider the following:
Get the littles in your life interested in water conservation early by printing off Wade's Wild Adventure colouring book. (PDF)
Checking your whole house for leaks can be as simple as locating your water meter and turning off all fixtures and appliances (don't forget the fridge ice maker). If the dial, sometimes called a low flow indicator, is still moving you either have a leak or something is still turned on.
If you've determined it's a leak, you can: