On Saturday, Airdrie city officials stated that Airdrie's stage four water restrictions remain in place and have been extended for three to five weeks based on water main infrastructure issues discovered in Calgary. Officials added that a fire ban remains in effect in Airdrie.
In an afternoon update on the water feedermain break, Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that the need to conserve water depends on all impacted communities' residents.
"The need [is] for everyone in Calgary and surrounding communities... Airdrie, Chestermere, and Strathmore... The situation we are facing is critical. The repairs to the water feedermain will take time, and we need to do our part, each and every one of us, to make sure that in that time, we are limiting the water supply that we're using. I urge each of you to be mindful of your water actions."
Calgary officials have said that water use remained constant at 480 Mega Litres of water on Friday, June 14, matching the previous day’s total.
"We are reminding Calgarians that 480 Mega Litres is the maximum threshold to ensure water reserve levels remain consistent, and ideally, we would be under that number to ensure adequate water supply in case of an emergency," a city release stated.
City officials also said that crews drained the remaining 300 meters of pipe overnight, which still needed a robotic inspection.
"Unfortunately, the robot inspection [that] was set to occur last night but was delayed because there was more water and we needed more draining time in the pipe. We should have this analysis completed by Monday. At this time, we're also continuing to do preventative maintenance work wherever needed on this pipe section," stated Francois Bouchart, Director of Capital Priorities, and Investments.
Bouchart reiterated the news from Friday, saying that five hotspots have experienced significant wire breakage that requires repair.
"It is important to note that the planning required for these repairs is complex. There are other utilities, such as sewer lines, which are very close to the hotspot sections of this pipe. We need to be very intentional in how we plan and action our crews to do this repair," Bouchart said. "We want to ensure how we excavate this pipe is safe, and it doesn't impact critical infrastructure. We have mobilized consultants and contractors to increase work on these repairs concurrently."
He shared that the city has secured sufficient pipe material to complete the remaining repairs.
"Three of the pipe segments are here in Calgary, and the remaining two have been sourced from the U.S. and should arrive by mid-next week. We have worked with our provincial and federal counterparts to ensure their expedient delivery to our city. The three segments in Calgary are currently being prepared for installation. Within the next two days, our survey crews will complete the locates and preliminary surveys of the sites."
A state of local emergency was declared earlier in the day due to the water main break situation.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the weather
Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief (CEMA) Sue Henry encouraged residents in the impacted communities to utilize the rainy weather to gather water, especially for gardening needs.
"This weather over the next few days will help us, and now is not the time to make hay while the sun shines but to capture rain while the rain falls," Henry said. "This is an opportunity and a great time to collect that rain. Find a rain barrel, a bucket, and any kind of container you can. Set it outside; it's great water [to] use for your gardens as well as any of your plants outside."
Businesses asked to do more
Nancy Mackay, Director of Water Services, gave an update on what businesses are doing regarding water conservation efforts. She said that the city is taking additional steps to ensure consistency.
"Yesterday afternoon, we asked carwashes, car dealerships and car repair shops to cease their water use for vehicle cleaning. We're in the process of reaching out to all of these customers to explain this decision and to address their concerns and questions," Mackay said. "We understand the impact such a decision may have. I want to assure these businesses that this is a temporary but necessary measure given the situation we currently find ourselves in, in the city for all other businesses."
Questions about the Calgary Stampede
When asked about the potential impact tourists may have as they come for the Stampede in less than three weeks, Mayor Gondek said that data from years past is being looked at to gauge what type of water usage spike can be expected.
"We can make some determinations from there as to what we do moving forward. We work with our partners like the Calgary Stampede to understand what role each of us plays in managing the situation."
She underlined that she will not speculate at the moment what actions may have to be taken.
"We're not at that point yet, but as we get closer, definitely those are conversations we will have."
On Friday evening, The Calgary Stampede issued a statement following news that The City of Calgary and surrounding communities, including Airdrie, would continue to be under water restrictions for three to five weeks.
"We will continue to work with our partners at the City of Calgary and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency as this situation evolves," The Calgary Stampede wrote in response.
The Calgary Stampede begins on July 5, less than three weeks from today.
State of Local Emergency declared
Earlier on Saturday, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the decision to declare a State of Local Emergency was not taken lightly.
"It was done to ensure we are prepared for all eventualities in the drive to have this water feeder main restoration work done as quickly and safely as possible," she said. "I am grateful to the Government of Alberta for endorsing this approach and offering their support as we address this critical water situation."
Calgary Emergency Management Chief Susan Henry said more coordination is possible under the State of Local Emergency.
"[It] is an indicator of the aggressive approach we are taking to restore full water service for all customers as soon as humanly possible,” said Henry. "This work is our top priority, and we are bringing every tool in the toolbox to advance and support this massive construction effort and to continue to ensure we have enough water for those critical life-safety needs."
Airdrie water usage
According to the latest data from The City of Airdrie, since the restrictions were implemented, the city has seen an average drop of 22.1 per cent in water usage.
The city stated on Friday, "Please continue to follow the restrictions to ensure we have enough water for essential needs."
The City also underlined to residents that development activities may continue if non-potable water is used.
"Contractors have been notified that they can bring water from unaffected areas (e.g., Cochrane, Okotoks) with proper documentation. City operations are also using non-potable water."
Previously, Airdrie's water consumption use was recorded to be down an average of 23 per cent since June 5, before the water main break and the outdoor water restrictions were announced. Under level four water restrictions, residents can not:
- Water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers by any method other than rainwater.
- Wash down any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways of any sort unless your business requires them to for health and safety reasons.
- Wash cars on driveways or streets.
- Fill outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.
- Use potable water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction, or dust control.
The City is strongly encouraging voluntary indoor water restrictions, which include:
- Use dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Limit showers to five minutes or less and keep baths shallow.
- Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing food off.
- Turn off humidifiers and ice machines, delay washing vehicles,
- Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to reduce water use.
- Businesses using water to deliver a life-sustaining product or service for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.
"There are no boil water advisories in effect within the City of Airdrie, and water remains safe to drink. We thank residents for their cooperation in making temporary sacrifices to ensure that Airdrie and our surrounding communities have water for life-saving purposes," The City added.
Province Responds
On Saturday morning, Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver issued a statement after The City of Calgary declared a State of Local Emergency in response to a massive water main break that has impacted the city's water supply.
“Alberta’s government supports the City of Calgary in its decision to declare a state of local emergency as this step signifies the critical state of Calgary’s water infrastructure and the work that must happen expeditiously in order to return to normal. A local state of emergency allows the city to swiftly procure materials and coordinate action for the repair."
He added that the province remains in regular communication with the city through the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and directly with the mayor’s office and that they support the city in any way that is needed.
Detours are currently in place as 16 Avenue remains closed at Home Road Northwest.
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Wed, Jun 26, 9:00 AM
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