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.”

One day after Calgary officials said that more damage had been found in the South Bearspaw water feedermain, which requires immediate repair, resulting in three to five weeks more of water restrictions, Calgary's Mayor Jyoti Gondek declared a State of Local Emergency in Calgary on Saturday.

"The decision to declare a State of Local Emergency was not taken lightly, and it was made 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 and Airdrie remain under water restrictions, and both cities have fire bans.

Airdrie's water usage sees an uptick

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. However, data showed that water use is increasing. 

"Please continue to follow the restrictions to ensure we have enough water for essential needs," The City stated on Friday.

The City also underlines 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.

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