Calgary Lawn Watering Restrictions 2026: Odd-Even Days, Hours, and Stage Guide
Calgary Water enforces outdoor watering restrictions from May through September each year. Understanding the restriction schedule, programming your controller correctly, and knowing what triggers staged restrictions protects you from bylaw fines and ensures your irrigation system operates legally. Complete 2026 guide from J.G. Irrigation's IA-certified team.
Calgary Water Base Restrictions (MayβSeptember)
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Watering days | Odd-numbered civic addresses water on odd calendar days; even on even days. Both water on the 31st of any month. |
| Prohibited hours | No outdoor watering 11:00am-7:00pm, May through September |
| Permitted hours | Before 11:00am and after 7:00pm on your permitted odd/even day |
| Optimal window | 5:00am-8:00am β within permitted hours AND lowest evaporation period |
Stage Restrictions: When They Apply
| Stage | Trigger | Restriction Change |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Voluntary conservation request | Reduce watering by 25%; odd/even still in effect |
| Stage 2 | System capacity concern | 1 day per week watering; assigned by address last digit |
| Stage 3 | Significant supply concern | No lawn watering; gardens and trees by hand only |
| Stage 4 | Emergency | All outdoor water use prohibited except essential fire/health |
How to Programme Your Controller for Calgary Restrictions
Rachio 3: Open the Rachio app β Schedule β Allowed Watering Times β select “Specific Days” β choose only your permitted odd or even days β set start time to 5:00am or later. Enable the Calgary Water restriction preset under “Water Use Restrictions” in Schedule Advanced Settings.
Hunter Pro-C: Set “Water Days” to your permitted odd/even days in Day Selection. Set start time(s) before 11am and/or after 7pm. Use the Seasonal Adjustment button to scale down in shoulder seasons.
Rain Bird ESP-Me: Under Program A, set Day Cycle to specific days matching your odd/even address. Set start time before 11am or after 7pm.
J.G. Irrigation Controller Programming Service
J.G. Irrigation programmes all Rachio 3 controllers with Calgary water restriction schedules as standard at every spring startup visit. If your controller is not correctly programmed for Calgary restrictions, call 587-433-4795 β controller programming is included in the $90 service visit diagnostic fee.
Calgary Irrigation Controller Programming β $90 Service Visit
Rachio, Hunter, Rain Bird • Calgary Water Restrictions • IA-Certified
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