Update #4 Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage
CALGARY – The City of Calgary continues to repair a large water main break in the Bowness and Montgomery area and this afternoon crews succeeded in uncovering the damaged pipe.
“Our crews continue working around the clock. We have uncovered the pipe and exposed the break. We can now pump out the remaining the water, expose the rest of the pipe and finalize repair plans,” says Water Services Director Nancy Mackay.
“While this is good news, it will still take days before the feedermain is back in service. And it is crucial that we work together to reduce our water use.”
The damage to this critical water transmission line has severely impacted the supply in Calgary’s reservoirs and the ability to move water across the city.
As we move into the weekend, Calgarians are being asked to continue reducing water use all day, including mornings and evenings. City-operated pools remain closed until Tuesday. A fire ban remains in effect as well.
“If you are staying in Calgary over the weekend, we need your help to save water for the next few days. If you are travelling out of the city, consider travel and traffic impacts along 16 Avenue in your travel plans,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry.
If Calgarians do not reduce our water use, we are at risk of running out. The City is asking Calgarians to save water for the next few days while the work gets completed. We’re asking citizens to try to use 25% less water than yesterday. This could mean actions like shaving a few minutes off your shower, skipping a few flushes, and holding off on a load of laundry. We want to encourage Calgarians that right now is not the time to wash your car, says Henry.
“It is wonderful to see Calgarians coming together. A special thank you to those who have pitched in to support their neighbours. Although we have seen a decrease in water use, we can do more. And we urgently need to do more.”
While it is not known how long it will take to make the crucial repair, Mayor Jyoti Gondek says now is the time for Calgarians to continue conserving as much water as possible because this key artery delivers water for the city and surrounding areas.
“As the work continues in the repair of the water feedermain, we all need to do our part in reducing our water usage to make sure we don’t run out of water,” says Gondek. “All of our everyday decisions can make a difference. Let’s keep limiting our water usage in our homes. We can get through this together.”
The Boil Water Advisory remains in place for all residents and businesses in Bowness. Residents and businesses need to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to any consumption, including:
For more information on Boil Water Advisories and using water safely when an advisory is in place, resources for homeowners and businesses is available here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page15235.aspx#boilwater
STREET SWEEPING PAUSED
We are temporarily postponing residential street sweeping operations citywide due to ongoing water restrictions. Sweeping planned for communities of Willow Park, Beddington, Taradale, Royal Oak, Tuxedo Park, Cranston, Applewood Park, Braeside, and Springbank Hill will be rescheduled.
We encourage Calgarians to continue checking Calgary.ca/sweep for updates, and to sign up for e-mail and/or text notifications.
For more information on Calgary fire bans and fire safety advisories, visit calgary.ca/firebans or contact 311. Remember to always call 9-1-1 to report a fire.
To learn more about City services impacted and facility closures, visit calgary.ca.
We will continue to provide updates when information is available via local media, social media, 311 and calgary.ca/wateroutages, and will inform Calgarians when Stage 4 water restrictions are no longer needed.
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