Calgary Issues Critical Water Supply Alert Following Water Main Break

The City of Calgary has declared a critical water supply alert in response to a major water main break that occurred on Wednesday night, impacting the city’s ability to provide sufficient water to communities and for emergency fire suppression efforts.

The affected area, including the communities of Bowness and Montgomery, experienced a significant water main break on a critical transmission line essential for distributing water across Calgary.

Following this incident, the city has introduced stringent measures to mitigate the impact, implementing Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions citywide and calling on residents to conserve water and limit non-essential usage.

Alberta Health Services is closely monitoring the situation and conducting tests on the drinking water to ensure its safety for consumption.

Reinforcing the need for conservation, the City of Calgary has urged businesses and residents to reduce non-essential water consumption, advising measures like delaying dishwasher and washing machine usage, limiting shower durations, and shutting off water taps when not in use.

As a precautionary measure, a boil water advisory has been issued specifically to the residents of Bowness, requiring them to boil water for at least one minute before various uses like drinking, food preparation, and dental hygiene.

The city has activated its Municipal Emergency Plan as repair crews work around the clock to address the water main break, expressing uncertainty about the duration of the restrictions and advisories.