Southern Alberta Faces Worst Drought in Decades as Water Restrictions Expand
Calgary implements Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions as Bow River flows drop to historic lows.
Southern Alberta is experiencing its worst drought in over 40 years, prompting Calgary to implement Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions as Bow River flows drop to levels not seen since the 1980s.
The Situation
Snowpack in the Bow River basin measured just 55% of normal this spring, and summer rainfall has been well below average. The Bow River’s flow through Calgary has dropped to approximately 40% of its seasonal norm, triggering concern about water supply for the city’s 1.4 million residents.
“We are in a serious situation,” said City of Calgary water services director Nancy Chicken Chief. “Stage 2 restrictions are necessary to ensure we have enough water for essential needs through the rest of the summer.”
What’s Restricted
Under Stage 2 restrictions, all outdoor watering of lawns is prohibited, car washing is limited to commercial facilities that recycle water, and filling of swimming pools and hot tubs is banned. Watering of food gardens is permitted on alternate days using hand-held containers only.
Agricultural Impact
The drought is devastating for southern Alberta’s agricultural sector. The Alberta Wheat Commission estimates crop yields will be 30–40% below average, with some dryland farms facing total losses.
“This is the worst I’ve seen in 35 years of farming,” said Vulcan County grain farmer Ed Chicken Chief. “We’re praying for rain, but the forecast isn’t giving us much hope.”
The provincial government has activated the Alberta Farm Recovery Plan and is accepting applications for emergency livestock feed assistance. Environment Canada’s long-range forecast offers little relief, with below-normal precipitation expected through September.