Emergency officials sounded the alarm yesterday, issuing a dire warning to Calgarians amidst an ongoing water supply emergency triggered by a colossal water main rupture earlier in the week. The situation remains unresolved, with no clear timeline for resolution in sight.
Nancy Mackay, the Director of Water Services for the City of Calgary, alongside Susan Henry, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, convened a press conference today to provide a crucial update on the escalating water crisis that first unfolded on Wednesday night.
Henry emphasized the critical need for conservation, stating, “It continues to be incredibly important that we conserve as much water as we can.” Despite a notable reduction in water consumption observed on Thursday, usage spiked again in the evening, jeopardizing the delicate balance of supply and demand. “This trend cannot continue,” Henry stressed, “If we do not reduce our water use, we are at risk of running out.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Calgarians were urgently called upon to intensify their water conservation efforts. Henry implored residents to reduce their water usage by an additional 25% compared to the previous day, urging for collective action to mitigate the risk of water depletion. Practical measures, such as shortening showers, minimizing flushing, delaying laundry and dishwashing, were encouraged as essential steps in conserving the precious resource.
The gravity of the situation was further underscored by Mackay, who revealed the monumental efforts underway to address the ruptured main. “Our crews are still working around the clock,” she affirmed, detailing the extensive pumping operations undertaken to manage the crisis. Mackay expressed optimism that further progress would be made, with plans to fully expose the damaged section of the feeder for assessment and repair.
However, Mackay also issued a sobering reminder of the protracted nature of the repair process. “This is a massive break that cannot be repaired in a day or two,” she cautioned. The enormity of the challenge necessitates a collective response from all sectors of the community. Mackay drew parallels to past instances of adversity, invoking the spirit of unity witnessed during the floods of 2013. “Just as we came together then to save all the water we can, we need everyone to do their part now,” she urged.
The ramifications of the water crisis extend beyond residential consumption, impacting essential services and public safety measures. The boil water advisory for the community of Boness remains in effect, underscoring the imperative of stringent water quality protocols. Additionally, a city-wide fire ban remains in force to conserve water for firefighting purposes, highlighting the multifaceted challenges posed by the crisis.