August 26, 2024: Calgary and nearby areas are under Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions. Local authorities are also urging residents to limit their indoor water usage due to critical repairs needed on the Bearspaw south feeder main. Officials emphasize that failure to comply with these restrictions could have severe consequences.
Previously on Y!Alberta
June 6, 2024: The city of Calgary is under a mandatory water advisory in the wake of a severe water main rupture. Officials are urging all residents and businesses to curtail their water usage drastically. The city issued a decisive emergency alert in Alberta early Wednesday morning, signaling the situation’s urgency.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., all Calgary residents were sent an emergency alert detailing the critical water shortage caused by the break along 16 Avenue N.W. The alert noted that “Supply levels have reached a critical state, affecting the city’s ability to provide water to communities and ensure adequate water is available to support emergency fire suppression.”
Officials are asking everyone in the city to conserve water by avoiding showers, baths, dishwashing, and the use of water-consuming appliances until further notice. The city itself issued its own advisory at about 5 a.m. on Thursday, stressing the importance of this measure.
As part of the city’s municipal emergency plan, no clear timeline has been given for when the water restrictions or the associated boil water advisory will end.
“This issue is temporary, and our crews are working 24/7 to complete the necessary repair work,” stated a city news release.
The situation is exacerbated by the complexity of the break, as Sue Henry, chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, described it.
“This makes an estimate on when the issue will be resolved difficult to predict. We know that every drop of water will count until we get this repair done,” Henry explained.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized the collective effort needed during this crisis. “I want to thank you, Calgary, for doing your part,” she said. “I realize this morning’s emergency alert was quite jarring, and I appreciate that everyone paid attention to the need to conserve water right now.”
The severity of the situation has led to a Stage 4 outdoor water ban across Calgary because the issue involves “a critical transmission line.” This ban includes all outdoor water use, with potential fines starting at $3,000 for violations.
General guidelines for the next 24 hours urge residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption. This includes operational reductions for laundromats and car washes, though life-sustaining businesses like hospitals and restaurants are exempt.
The issue has also affected nearby communities. The City of Airdrie has introduced similar water conservation measures, banning all outdoor water use and urging residents to limit indoor water use.
The Calgary Board of Education has informed parents that only seven schools are directly impacted by the water issue, with all other schools operating normally.
This emergency alert today in Alberta continues to develop following the water main break at approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday. By 10 p.m., fire officials had shut off the water, but the impacts are ongoing, with 16 Avenue still closed for traffic between Sarcee Trail and Home Road.
As Calgary faces unprecedented water restrictions due to a severe water main break, residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Alberta Emergency Alert System. This system provides real-time updates on local emergencies, ensuring all necessary information is accessible to those affected.
For further insights and updates on how this situation may be influenced by local weather conditions, consider visiting Alberta weather monitoring sites. These resources offer detailed weather forecasts and alerts, helping you understand any additional environmental factors that could impact recovery efforts and emergency measures in the city.
For more information and updates, stay tuned to Y!Alberta!
