Don't count on snowmelt to save the situation. University of Calgary Experts predict Alberta's largest cities may have to implement water restrictions for months.
Tricia Stadnick, a professor at the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering, said don't count on snowmelt to solve the water supply crisis caused by Calgary's massive water main break last week.
“The extent of future melt is not going to be very severe,” Stadnik said, “so even though we are still seeing melt now, it's not as severe as we would normally expect.”
“That means being careful with water until next spring.”
Stadnik said she noticed Since a 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 also for the future, as Calgary is Canada's fastest-growing city, but its water supply is not unlimited.
“The reality for Calgary residents this week is that they got a brief taste of what life would be like without it,” Black said. “Many Canadian communities are still facing this situation.
“Whether we have more snowmelt, whether we have more rainfall, that's not what matters. What matters is how we better use our water resources, conserve water and ensure that all Canadians have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
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