The quality and delivery of water are municipal government responsibilities, and Calgary’s drinking water meets – and often exceeds – the high health and safety standards set by both the Albertan and Canadian governments.

Water Supply

The two sources for Calgary’s drinking water are the Bow River, which supplies the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, and the Elbow River, which flows into Glenmore Reservoir. 

The Bearspaw plant primarily supplies water to the north side of the city, while the water treatment plant at the Glenmore Reservoir supplies the south. Both sources are interconnected to ensure a consistent supply to the city.

Almost all of the water that is removed from the Bow and Elbow rivers for use within Calgary is returned after treatment in Calgary’s wastewater treatment plants. Calgary’s water system is a self-supporting utility that operates independently of municipal property taxes.

Conservation

Water conservation programs are a big part of life in Calgary, and are enthusiastically supported by much of the population. 

Low water use fixtures are standard in all new and recently-renovated buildings, and by 2014, all Calgary homes – more than 280,000 of them – will be equipped with water meters.