Watering Your Lawn During Calgary Water Restrictions โ€” Stage 1 and Stage 2 Guide

When the City of Calgary declares water restrictions, the rules for outdoor watering change โ€” and your irrigation controller needs to be adjusted immediately. This guide covers exactly what Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions mean for your sprinkler system in 2026.

Calgary Water Restriction Stages โ€” What Changes for Your Irrigation

Restriction Stage Allowed Watering Days Allowed Times Controller Change Needed
No restriction Any day Any time None
Stage 1 (voluntary) Odd address: Tue/Thu/Sat
Even address: Wed/Fri/Sun
No Monday watering
Any time during allowed days Set restricted days in controller
Stage 2 (mandatory) Same odd/even as Stage 1 6am-9am OR 6pm-9pm only Restrict days AND time windows โ€” or face $250 fine
Stage 3 (emergency) Outdoor watering restricted or banned Check official City notice Turn system off completely

How to Program Your Controller for Calgary Restrictions

Most standard timers allow you to set specific watering days. Rachio 3 and Hydrawise have built-in restriction modes โ€” select your address type (odd/even) and the controller automatically skips the wrong days and adjusts for the 6am-9am window. J.G. Irrigation can program your controller for restriction compliance during any startup or service visit. Call 587-433-4795.

What is the fine for violating Calgary water restrictions with a sprinkler system?

Under Stage 2 mandatory restrictions, watering outside permitted hours is a bylaw violation and can result in fines. First-time fines in Calgary have historically started at $250. Repeat violations increase. City of Calgary Bylaw Officers actively monitor neighbourhoods during restriction periods. A Rachio smart controller avoids this automatically โ€” call J.G. Irrigation at 587-433-4795 to upgrade.

Smart Controller Upgrade โ€” Automatic Calgary Restriction Compliance

Call 587-433-4795Book Controller Upgrade