A previous rainfall warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada has ended.

Yesterday, a rainfall warning was issued for Airdrie.

"Heavy rainfall will develop over central Alberta this evening. Thunderstorms currently developing on the foothills near Calgary will push northeast this evening and merge into a large area of heavy rain tonight," the warning previousl stated.

Total rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 millimetres were forecast to fall in a 12-18 hour period.

"This rain event will come to an end by late Sunday morning. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible."

Residents were asked to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.

The warning was welcomed news for some residents as the city had announced three to five more weeks of level four water restrictions amidst prolonged repairs to a water main break in Calgary.

On Saturday afternoon, Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief (CEMA) Sue Henry encouraged residents to use the rainy weather to gather water, especially for gardening.

"This weather over the next few days will help us, and now is not the time to make hay while the sun shines but to capture rain while the rain falls," Henry said. "This is an opportunity and a great time to collect that rain. Find a rain barrel, a bucket, and any kind of container you can. Set it outside; it's great water [to] use for your gardens as well as any of your plants outside."

Residents are reminded that level four water restrictions remain in place. Under level four water restrictions, residents can not:

  • Water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers by any method other than rainwater.
  • Wash down any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways of any sort unless your business requires them to for health and safety reasons.
  • Wash cars on driveways or streets.
  • Fill outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.
  • Use potable water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction, or dust control.

The City is strongly encouraging voluntary indoor water restrictions, which include:

  • Use dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads.
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Limit showers to five minutes or less and keep baths shallow.
  • Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing food off.
  • Turn off humidifiers and ice machines, delay washing vehicles,
  • Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to reduce water use.
  • Businesses using water to deliver a life-sustaining product or service for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.

"There are no boil water advisories in effect within the City of Airdrie, and water remains safe to drink. We thank residents for their cooperation in making temporary sacrifices to ensure that Airdrie and our surrounding communities have water for life-saving purposes," The City added.

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