The City of Calgary issued a “water crisis alert” Thursday morning as the fallout from a water main break the previous night continued to escalate.
“Water supply levels have reached critical levels, impacting the city's ability to deliver water to communities and ensure there is enough water to support emergency firefighting efforts,” city officials said.
Residents living in the northwest Calgary community of Bowness have received Boil Water Recommendations This was caused by a water main break that occurred on Wednesday evening.
“The council has identified a large water main break in the Bowness and Montgomery areas,” City of Calgary said in a news release just after 5 a.m. Thursday.
“We've had a break in a vital water line that's preventing us from getting water to the entire city.”
Residents in the northwest Calgary community of Bowness are under a boil water advisory due to a water main break Wednesday evening.
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City officials said they will also “immediately implement Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions across Calgary.”
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“(We are) calling on Calgarians to limit non-essential indoor water use,” they said.
In addition to these measures, the city has developed a municipal emergency plan, officials said.
“We cannot estimate how long the boil water advisory or water restrictions will need to last,” the city said. “This issue is temporary and our crews are working around the clock to complete the necessary repairs.”
The boil water advisory calls on residents of homes and businesses in Bowness to boil water for at least one minute before drinking, brushing teeth, washing raw food, preparing baby formula or juice, or making ice.
“This advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution,” the city said. “This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.”
Alberta Health Services is also monitoring the situation, and the city says it will be sampling and testing the drinking water to ensure it is safe to drink.
For more information on boil water warnings, you can visit AHS websitealbertahealthservices.ca.
Water restrictions in place across Calgary
The city said Thursday it is implementing a mandatory outdoor watering ban to ensure Calgary's water supply is shared by all citizens.
The city says it also wants Calgarians to limit non-essential water use. People can do this by delaying the use of dishwashers and washing machines, limiting shower time, keeping bathtubs shallow, turning off humidifiers and ice makers, and closing taps when not in use.
“We are asking businesses that use a lot of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, to reduce their usage,” city officials added.
“Businesses that use water to provide products or services that sustain human, animal and plant life are exempt from this restriction. Other exemptions include any business that must use water that meets health code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants.”
The City of Calgary says it is also reducing non-essential water use.
“As Calgarians go about their day, we advise them to avoid the affected area around 16th Avenue and Northwest Home Road and to allow time on their commute as this incident may impact traffic.”
The city says Calgarians can follow its social media channels for the latest updates.
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