Friday, June 6, 2025
Airdrie City Council voted to update the City’s Waterworks Bylaw at their regular meeting on June 3, giving residents more flexibility around when they water their lawns, gardens and new plantings—while helping align with regional water schedules.
“These updates balance the need to conserve water with the reality that not everyone has the same schedule,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “We heard from shift workers that the previous schedule didn’t work for them and from others who felt like the it didn’t support growing food or establishing healthy trees—and we’re delivering on that.”
The updated bylaw includes extended watering hours and new allowances for edible gardens and newly planted trees and shrubs.
What’s changing:
- Watering times are more flexible – outdoor watering is now allowed from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. on your assigned watering days, making it easier for residents who work non-traditional hours.
- Property owners can now water new trees and shrubs for up to five years to help them get established.
- Edible gardens now have their own watering guidelines, giving local growers more flexibility.
“Water conservation is a shared responsibility.” said Eugene Lund, Utility Operations Manager, “These changes help Airdrie align with communities like Calgary and ensure residents have clear, consistent rules, even during restrictions.”
The Waterworks Bylaw, first implemented in 2019, includes four levels of water restrictions to help the City respond quickly during drought or supply issues. Watering days are based on whether addresses ends in an odd or even number and vary depending on the restriction level in place.
