Latest news with #NicoleNewton
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Calgary's warm weather prompts warning against using excessive water from city
A stock photo of a toddler playing with a hose outside. (Unsplash/Phil Goodwin) The City of Calgary is warning residents to avoid using water excessively amid the hot summer weather. According to city officials, Calgary's water demand can increase by 30 to 40 per cent on hot days – particularly from lawn and yard watering – putting extra strain on the water system. 'We're closely monitoring river and weather conditions and watching the impacts of sustained heat and water demands,' said Nicole Newton, the city's manager of natural environment and adaptation, in a Tuesday news release. 'On Calgary's hottest days, every effort to manage outdoor water use when watering lawns and yards helps maintain a reliable water supply for everyone.' The warning was issued on one of the hottest days of the summer so far, with the temperature expected to climb to 31 C. 'We're hopeful that temperatures ease up and a prolonged heat wave doesn't materialize,' Newton said. 'In the meantime, we're closely monitoring conditions and are confident that, with everyone's help, we can make every drop count. We'll continue to keep Calgarians informed if anything changes.' The city has the following tips for managing outdoor water use: Reduce how long you water outdoors: You can achieve this by cutting your watering time by 5-10 minutes per session; Skipping a watering day: Healthy lawns only need one inch of water per week, including rainfall; Water during cooler hours: Water your lawn and garden in the late evening or early morning to reduce evaporation; Keep your grass three inches long: Longer grass keeps roots cool, helping your lawn handle dry conditions; and, Use a rain barrel: Rain barrels are a great way to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard. The City of Calgary has recently expanded its rain barrel rebate program due to strong participation from residents. Those who purchased a rain barrel after March 31 can submit an application form with their receipt to get $50 back. Originally, the rebate program was set to max out at 3,000 rain barrels, but it was later expanded to 5,000.
Calgary Herald
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
City of Calgary warns against excessive outdoor water use amid climbing temperatures
With a high of 31 degrees forecast for Tuesday afternoon, Calgary is facing one of the hottest days of the year so far — which could put a strain on the water system, the city warns. Article content 'We're closely monitoring river and weather conditions and watching the impacts of sustained heat and water demands,' said Nicole Newton, the city's manager of natural environment and adaptation. Article content Article content Article content 'On Calgary's hottest days, every effort to manage outdoor water use when watering lawns and yards helps maintain a reliable water supply for everyone.' Article content Article content No water restrictions are currently in effect, but the city is asking Calgarians to limit outdoor water use by shortening watering times or skipping a watering day, watering during late evening or early morning to limit evaporation, utilizing a rain barrel and keeping grass longer. Article content For those attending the Stampede or partaking in other outdoor activities, the city encourages drinking lots of water and taking breaks in the shade. Article content Currently, a prolonged heat wave is not expected and rain is predicted throughout the week — but forecasts can change, so the city is taking pre-emptive measures. Article content Article content 'We're hopeful that temperatures ease up and a prolonged heat wave doesn't materialize,' Newton said. 'We'll continue to keep Calgarians informed if anything changes.' Article content Earlier this year, Environment Canada predicted a hotter-than-average summer in Alberta, with average temperatures reaching 23.5 C in July and 23.1 C in August. Article content Last year, the Bearspaw south feeder main rupture resulted in months of water restrictions, and the summer of 2023 also saw an extended period of Stage 1 restrictions. Article content Drought-related restrictions may be becoming the norm for Calgarians. Last year, the city considered implementing seasonal restrictions as a pre-emptive measure, but the idea was scrapped this spring. Article content Matthew John, a senior communications strategist at Enmax, said energy usage tends to be high on hot summer days, peaking in the evenings when most people get home from work, but so far consumption levels are 'nothing to be worried about.' Article content 'Enmax works closely with the AESO (Alberta Electric System Operator) to maintain reliability and avoid temporary outages,' John said. 'Power conservation efforts during peak hours of 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. can help by reducing demand on the system.' Article content
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
City of Calgary announces extension of $50 rain barrel rebate program
The City of Calgary says it's expanding its rain barrel rebate program due to 'strong participation' from residents. The rebate will get those who purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary or a local vendor $50 back, as long as it was purchased after March 31 and they submit an application form with their receipt. Originally, the rebate program was set to max out at 3,000 rain barrels, but now they're expanding it to 5,000. Green Calgary rain barrels cost $125, but that price drops to $75 with the rebate. City of Calgary spokesperson Nicole Newton says with more rain in the forecast, now is a great time to take advantage of the expanded program. 'It's never too late to add a rain barrel to your property and responsibly use what Mother Nature provides,' she said in a Thursday news release. 'You can use what you collect to water your plants, garden and trees, especially during hot and dry periods.' For more information, you can visit the City of Calgary's website.
