Emergency officials in Calgary are still working to repair a feeder main break in the city’s water system that occurred in the Montgomery neighborhood, triggering a boil-water advisory for residents in Bowness. The water services director, Nancy Mackay, Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Emergency Management Agency chief Susan Henry provided updates on the situation. Crews have begun removing the damaged section of the pipe, and once the repair is installed, the pipe will need to be flushed to ensure the water is safe to drink. It is still too early to determine when the water restrictions will be lifted.
The feeder main break has severely impacted the city’s ability to move water, leading to the implementation of a water supply alert for Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere. Water wagons have been set up in Bowness to support residents, but Calgarians living elsewhere do not need to boil water. However, they are still urged to conserve water. Mayor Gondek emphasized the importance of water conservation and the need for Calgarians to understand the seriousness of the situation in order to avoid running out of water.
Emergency Management Agency chief Susan Henry warned that if reservoir levels reach ⅓ capacity, the city may have to further restrict water use to ensure water is available for firefighting efforts. The repair plan for the feeder main involves cutting out the broken section and replacing it with a steel piece. The pipe, which is large enough to drive a truck through, is expected to take at least five to seven days to repair. The feeder main was only halfway through its expected lifespan of 100 years, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Calgarians have been asked to minimize indoor and outdoor water use, with suggestions such as adopting a navy shower approach, turning off water taps while not in use, and using dishwashers and washing machines for full loads only. By complying with these restrictions, water usage has decreased significantly. The city has also been working to reduce water usage by stopping watering plants and closing showers in leisure facilities. While efforts are being made to improve communication with the public, Mayor Gondek is expected to provide daily updates until the situation is resolved.
In response to the water shortage, bylaw officers have responded to calls for water misuse but have issued minimal warnings and no tickets. Calgarians are advised not to collect water from the river for gardening due to safety reasons and are encouraged to collect rainwater if possible. The city is also using non-potable water for irrigation to conserve the potable water supply. Efforts are being made to ensure that communications with the public are clear and informative, with regular updates from Mayor Gondek and emergency officials. The situation remains ongoing, with the repair of the feeder main being a top priority to restore regular water supply to the affected areas.
