Don't count on the snow melting to save the situation. University of Calgary Experts predict Alberta's largest cities could have to implement water restrictions for months.
Don’t count on snowmelt to solve Calgary’s water supply crisis caused by last week’s massive water main break, said Tricia Stadnyk, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering.
“There’s not going to be a lot of melting going forward,” Stadnik said. “So even though we’re still seeing melting now, it’s not as much as we would normally expect.”
“That means being careful with water until next spring.”
Stadnik said she had noticed Since the lateral water main burst last week, Calgarians have been taking notice and conserving water.but some more than others.
“What I’m seeing is a general awareness, caution and concern,” she said.
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“People are really concerned (and asking), ‘If we don’t have water, what does that mean?’ Well, it literally means you turn on the tap and there’s no water.”
Kerry Black, another expert at the Schulich School of Engineering, said the situation holds lessons for us, not only now but for the future, because Calgary is Canada's fastest-growing city, but its water supply is not unlimited.
“This week, the reality for Calgary residents is that they got a brief taste of what it would be like to live without it,” Black said. “Many Canadian communities are still facing this situation.
“Whether we have more snowmelt, whether we have more rain, that's not the most important thing. What's most important is how do we better use our water resources, conserve water and ensure that all Canadians have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
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