Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek issued a warning to residents today regarding the gradual increase in water usage following a catastrophic break in a critical feeder main. Speaking from the Emergency Operations Center, Gondek highlighted the significance of the issue, stressing the importance of continued water conservation as repair efforts are underway.
“While we are staying under the threshold that is critical to ensure that we have enough water for all of us, this gradual increase is increasingly becoming a concern,” Mayor Gondek stated. “On Saturday, we did our best work, using only 440 million litres of water. However, by yesterday, we were up to 480 million litres. This slow creep up in usage is not great.”
The broken feeder main, described as a “critical water transmission line,” has severely impacted Calgary’s water supply. This damage has forced the city to rely on the Glenmore South treatment facility, which typically serves only 40% of the city’s communities. Currently, it is operating beyond its capacity to compensate for the loss.
Sue Henry, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, echoed the mayor’s call for increased conservation. “While we are still using less water than normal, there is a slight uptick in our usage. We need everyone to double down on their conservation efforts,” Henry urged. She suggested practical tips such as waiting for full loads of essential laundry and minimizing water use in everyday activities.
The boil water advisory in the neighbourhood of Bowness, imposed as a precautionary measure, was lifted on Monday. However, water restrictions remain in place citywide. Residents are being asked to refrain from using water outdoors and to find alternative ways to conserve water indoors.
Nancy McKay, Director of Water Services, provided an update on the repair efforts. “The new section of the pipe has been disinfected and is being welded into place. This will be followed by protective measures to prevent corrosion and thorough testing to ensure water pressure and quality,” McKay explained.
As Calgary faces this significant challenge, the call to action remains clear: reduce water usage to ensure the city can navigate through this crisis.