Calgary Declares State of Local Emergency Due to Water Main Break

The City of Calgary has officially declared a State of Local Emergency in response to a significant water feeder main break that has severely impacted the city’s water supply. Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry made the announcement during a press briefing, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

Mayor Gondek expressed gratitude towards the government of Alberta for supporting the decision to declare the state of emergency, highlighting the need for swift and safe restoration of the water feeder main. The declaration is seen as a proactive measure to ensure efficient coordination of efforts to return full water service to all affected customers.

Following the declaration, Mayor Gondek reached out to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for cooperation and has engaged with the private sector to explore additional solutions, emphasizing the collaborative approach required to address the crisis effectively.

City officials revealed that further assessments uncovered five additional vulnerable sites along the water feeder main that require urgent repair, extending the timeline for restoration by an additional three to five weeks. This development necessitates strategic planning and coordination to expedite the repair process.

Francois Bouchart, Director of Capital Priorities and Investment in Calgary’s infrastructure services department, provided an update on the repair efforts. He mentioned that necessary pipe materials have been secured, with some sourced from the United States to expedite the restoration process.

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver expressed the province’s support for Calgary’s state of emergency declaration, emphasizing the critical nature of the water infrastructure situation and pledging ongoing assistance to expedite the return to normalcy.

Residents of Calgary have been urged to conserve water diligently during this period of repair and restoration, with city officials emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and support in managing the water crisis effectively.

As the city continues to address the emergency, ongoing communication and updates are being provided to ensure transparency and community awareness regarding the repair progress and timelines. The City of Calgary remains committed to prioritizing the restoration of full water service for all affected residents.