In a Sunday morning update, Airdrie City officials said that main flushing along 8 Street will be performed for regulatory compliance.

"Flushing water lines are required to maintain a minimum chlorine residual of 0.1 mg/L, as per provincial regulations. The City explored options to collect the flushed water, but due to road infrastructure (medians), it is not possible," The City stated.

Officials also underscored that they understand the situation is challenging for residents.

"... But we’re proud of our community's efforts in reducing water usage by an average of 22 per cent. Let's keep up the good work and continue to support each other. Even with rain in the forecast, the fire ban remains in effect due to the ongoing water crisis. This helps limit the need for fire suppression, conserving our water supply."

Airdrie remains under level four water restrictions. All outdoor water use is temporarily banned, and indoor water conservation is strongly encouraged. The City has asked residents to consider going to a car wash in another community.

"Remember, it's against the bylaw to wash your car in your driveway. Let’s all do our part to limit water to essential use."

Under level four water restriction, residents cannot:

  • Water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers can be done by any method other than rainwater.
  • Wash down any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways, unless your business requires it 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.

No boil water advisories are in effect within the City of Airdrie, and water remains safe to drink.

"To ensure we share the water currently available, we are asking Airdrie residents to immediately restrict indoor water use by taking the following voluntary actions:"

  • 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 asked to reduce water use.
  • Businesses that use water to deliver a life-sustaining product or service for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include businesses using water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.

"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.

City answers frequently asked questions by Airdrie residents

The City also offered answers to some frequently asked questions by residents. For those who have new sod and are worried that it's dying, The City has recommended contracting a landscape company or water hauler to bring potable water from places like Crossfield, Carstairs, or Cochrane.

"Keep proof of purchase for Municipal Enforcement. You can also use harvested rainwater to water your sod. If you haven't installed sod yet, please delay until a later date. No exemption permits are being granted at this time."

It was reiterated that the restrictions are expected to last into early July and possibly beyond.

"The situation is being monitored closely, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves," The City added.

Harvested rainwater can also be used for water plants, and the City underlined that it is using non-potable water sources to do so.

"This helps to ensure that potable water is reserved for essential uses. We are prioritizing the conservation of our limited potable water supply."

However, residents are reminded that they cannot use water from storm ponds, as the city drainage bylaw prohibits it.

"Section 10.1 states that storm drainage must not be diverted, used, or re-used without written approval from the City Manager and the applicable Provincial and/or Federal agencies. Using stormwater can pose safety risks and violate regulations."

The City said that water bills are based on usage; hence, reducing consumption can lead to lower bills.

Calgary Mayor's update on water usage

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek updated the public on Sunday morning, saying that water consumption had hit an all-time low the previous day.

"... We used 438 million litres of water [yesterday], which is better than what we hoped to achieve. The best that we did was last Saturday, about eight days ago, when you consumed 440 million litres," she said. "I cannot thank you enough for taking that call to action seriously."

In comparison, Friday's water usage was recorded at 480 mega-litres.

Mayor Gondek also noted that the water supply was an estimated 634 million litres as of 6 a.m. on Sunday. 

"That means that we have enough water stored to meet demand and also protect ourselves in case of any emergencies. I want to thank everybody in Calgary, Airdrie, Tsuut'ina Nation, Strathmore and Chestermere."

Concerns over extended water restrictions and their impact on hotels and festivals

Gondek said that she understands that residents of the impacted communities are worried about Friday's news that water restrictions will be extended for three to five weeks due to the discovery of five more damaged areas in the South Bearspaw water feedermain, especially with summer beginning, and the influx of tourists for various events. 

"We need some more time to look at water usage mapping throughout our city and the region," Mayor Gondek said. "We need to talk to our partner organizations and businesses to make sure they understand what they can do to reduce water usage, and we need to understand better the timeline for restoring the Bearspaw Treatment Facility flow back into our system."

Questions about the Calgary Stampede

Questions have been mounting about the Calgary Stampede and the impact the influx of tourists will have on the city's water supply. On Saturday, Mayor Gondek said that data from years past is being examined 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.

Possible overland pipe options?

Mayor Gondek also added that there are discussions regarding overland pipes to get water from the Bearspaw treatment facility.

"These are backup plans that we are simply considering right now. We'll get you more information as soon as we have it, but we can't make these types of significant decisions based on gut instinct alone. Let's give the City Emergency Operations team the next few days to collect the information they need."

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the weather

Yesterday, 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

Also, on Saturday, 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."

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."

Henry added that 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."

Province Responds

On Saturday morning, Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver issued a statement after The City of Calgary declared a State of Local Emergency.

“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 in place as 16 Avenue remains closed at Home Road Northwest.

An Alberta Emergency Alert advisory remains in place for Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere.

"... Supply levels remain in a critical state, affecting the city's ability to provide water to communities and ensure adequate water is available to support emergency fire suppression."

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