Water conservation rules still in effect for Calgarians

Note: Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a release at 7 p.m. on Monday, stating the boil water advisory for Bowness had been lifted.

"As water quality has been restored, the boil water advisory issued June 5, 2024, has been lifted, effective immediately," AHS said in its release.

"All residents and businesses in this community can return to normal water consumption practices, as boiling is no longer required."

AHS reminded that "Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions implemented by the City of Calgary remain in place."

The original story follows:

 

The City of Calgary says residents will see water conservation measures in place for about a week as repairs continue on a burst water main.

The broken 78-inch feeder main, the source of the city's water woes, was uncovered over the weekend, exposing a gaping hole in the pipe in the Montogomery/Bowness area.

It burst last Wednesday, affecting water services for thousands of homes.

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While water has since been restored, officials say the city's infrastructure isn't able to keep up with demand and has asked for everyone to pitch in and reduce their water use.

Lynne Francis is a Bowness resident who was living with the boil water advisory. 

"Feeling lack of independence, really having to rely on others, which it is good that people are stepping up and helping, but I can barely cook my own meals, I'm having to eat out more," Francis said.

This was her life since Thursday, as she had to let dishes pile up, boil water before using it and walk and grab water from a water wagon.

She also says she wasn't able to shower due to the sensitivity of her skin.

"You don't realize how much you take advantage of being able to turn on a faucet and use your water," Francis said.

The Plantation Garden Centre is feeling the effects of the citywide water advisory.

"If you can't water it when you get home, why would you buy it, right?" said Colin Atter with the Plantation Garden Centre.

Atter had to lay off a third of his seasonal spring staff early due to the advisory.

This past weekend would usually be his third busiest of the year.

He made about 50 per cent of his usual sales. 

Even residents outside Calgary, such as in Airdrie, Chestermere and Strathmore, are being asked to help out because those communities also use treated water from the city's two main plants.

In an update on Sunday, Mayor Jyoti Gondek said residents have answered the call.

She said consumption on Wednesday was about 650 million litres of water.

As of Sunday, Calgary's consumption was down to 440 million litres.

(Supplied/X/City of Calgary)

In addition to conducting repairs on the pipe, crews will be checking the feeder main for about 100 metres in each direction to check for any additional damage.

Water conservation rules for Calgarians

As of Monday, all residents in the city of Calgary are being told to maintain outdoor water restrictions, which means that homeowners and businesses should not water their lawns, gardens, flowers, trees or shrubs with municipal water sources.

Everyone should also refrain from washing the exterior of their homes and businesses, unless it is required for health and safety reasons.

So far, the city says it has handed out about 144 written warnings to Calgarians over improper water usage.

Indoor water restrictions are voluntary and include:

• Use dishwashers and washing machines only when required and when completely full;
• Limiting showers to three minutes or less and keeping baths shallow;
• Turn off humidifiers, ice machines and automatic sprinkler systems;
• Scrape plates clean instead of rinsing them;
• Wash vegetables in partially filled sinks and then rinse them quickly; and
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.