Calgary Outdoor Water Use Bylaw 2026 — Stage Rules, Odd/Even Schedule, Penalties Guide

The City of Calgary Outdoor Water Use Bylaw regulates when, how, and how much water homeowners can apply to lawns and gardens. This is a municipal bylaw with fines for violations — not an advisory. This guide covers Stage 1-4 restriction rules, penalties, and how to program your irrigation controller for compliance. J.G. Irrigation programs all Calgary irrigation systems for bylaw compliance. Call 587-433-4795 if your controller needs reprogramming.

Baseline Restrictions — Year-Round Regardless of Stage

• No outdoor watering between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on any day
• Permitted watering windows: 5:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
• No watering impervious surfaces (driveways, sidewalks)
• No non-recycled water decorative features

Stage 1 — Odd/Even Watering Schedule

Stage 2 — Reduced Frequency

• Odd addresses: Tuesday only
• Even addresses: Wednesday only
• Hand watering of new plantings still permitted daily

Stage 3 — Critical Restriction

Outdoor irrigation prohibited except hand-watering of food gardens and new plantings within first 30 days. All automatic systems must be shut off. Turn main irrigation shutoff to OFF during Stage 3.

Bylaw Penalties in Calgary

• First violation: Written warning
• Second violation: Fine $250–$750 residential
• Continued violations: Escalating fines + potential water service disconnection

J.G. Irrigation programs all new installations and spring startup clients for current restriction compliance. Call 587-433-4795 for controller programming. See our spring startup page.