City officials in Calgary are expressing concerns over the lack of reduction in water usage despite calls for conservation following a major water main break. Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated that the city is still facing excessive demand on the water system, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
The water storage levels in the city dropped from 600 million liters to 459 million liters after the Bearspaw south feeder main break. Although there has been some recovery, officials stress the importance of further water conservation to prevent supply depletion in case of future incidents.
Residents are urged to cut down on water consumption by taking shorter showers, minimizing toilet flushing, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full. Saving just a minute off a shower could conserve six to eight liters of water, according to Chris Huston, the city’s manager of the drinking water distribution system.
Businesses are also encouraged to reduce water usage, with suggestions such as refilling water glasses only upon request and using bottled water. Sue Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the situation but emphasized the critical need for water conservation.
A boil water advisory remains in effect for parts of Montgomery, West Hillhurst, Parkdale, and Point McKay. City officials admitted uncertainty about the cause of the recent water main break and highlighted the ongoing efforts to replace the damaged pipe with a new steel one on an accelerated timeline.
Despite implementing monitoring systems, only a few wire snaps were detected before the recent break, indicating the need for urgent replacement of the aging infrastructure. Mayor Farkas emphasized the necessity of building an alternative to the Bearspaw south feeder main, which has reached the end of its reliable lifespan.
