Calgary in crisis after HUGE water main break forces emergency alert
Many Calgarians were jolted awake by the sound of blaring emergency alarms this morning, following a water main break that has thrown the city into crisis management mode.
It happened in the northwest community of Bowness on Wednesday night and has forced some severe mandatory water restrictions to be put in place around the city.
View this post on Instagram
The City of Calgary is telling Calgarians to cut back on their water use until further notice.
What’s affected during the water main break
The City of Calgary has activated its Municipal Emergency Plan, which has resulted in Level 4 water restrictions.
Mandatory restrictions include avoiding watering lawns, gardens, and outdoor surfaces. Calgarians are also being asked to voluntarily delay using washing machines and dishwashers, limit shower times, and turn off humidifiers and ice machines.
All city-operated aquatic and fitness operations are closed while some other City-run facilities are operating with limitations.
All arenas are closed with the exception of those without ice-based rinks. The Calgary Soccer Centre and athletic parks are all open with the exception of Shouldice Park.
The weight room, non-water-based registered and drop-in programs are open at Southland Leisure Centre & Village Square Leisure Centre.
Water parks, wave pools and showers are all closed. The City says people will be refunded for impacted programs.
we saw it yesterday. it was pretty crazy. gushing and gushing with water pic.twitter.com/MpM7ZZj5mR
— belle🌸 ! ^~^ recovered but still around era 😀 (@makemelittle) June 6, 2024
Calgary is not the only city facing restrictions, as the City of Airdrie has also issued a water supply alert.
This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The City of Airdrie has issued a water supply alert.
— Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) June 6, 2024
This alert is in effect for all residents and business in urban and rural Airdrie.
A water main break in Calgary has cause water supply issues for Airdrie. A mandatory outdoor water ban is…
- You might also like:
- Calgarians divided over proposed car-free 17th Avenue
- The Alberta summer forecast is out and prepare for a scorcher
- "All-time low": New report finds Calgarians' trust in City Council is plunging
For a full list of restrictions, you can visit the City of Calgary website here.
Calgarians have been reacting to the news online, with many taking to X with their questions and concerns.
For anyone seeking clarification, some restrictions are mandatory and are enforceable by the Water Utility bylaw.
Some had a more humorous approach to the stressful circumstances.
While others reported they’ve already experienced side effects from the water main break.
