Enhancing water efficiency programming in the City of Calgary

Abstract

This article presents the steps undertaken in a two-phase study to enhance the City of Calgary's (the City) water efficiency programming for indoor and outdoor industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) customers and outdoor residential customers. Study objectives included evaluating programs in other urban jurisdictions for suitability to Calgary, and developing short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for water efficiency programming for the City. Phase I of the study included a literature review of Calgary's water consumption trends and explored over 150 water efficiency programs implemented across jurisdictions in North America, identifying a subset of 33 programs for further evaluation. Phase II evaluated program options through an integrated assessment, including gap, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and cost-benefit analysis. An implementation strategy was developed for seven water efficiency programs, grouped into complementary bundles of indoor and outdoor ICI and residential landscape transformation programs. The study also identified areas for further research, and key supporting elements or ‘success factors’ for water efficiency programming in the City. This article adds value to the discussion on approaches to select suitable indoor and outdoor ICI and outdoor residential water efficiency programs, and aids in informing the City's current and future strategic water planning and programs.