Calgarians urged to do better in curbing water use during unprecedented main break

By The Canadian Press on June 7, 2024.

CALGARY – Officials in Calgary continue to urge residents to cut their water use as work to repair to a major water main stretches into a second day.

One area of the city remains under a boil water advisory, while all Calgarians are being asked to reduce their use by at least a quarter.

The city of about 1.6 million people issued a warning Thursday morning and asked people not to shower, use dishwashers or do laundry.

Officials say there was significant reduction in water use until the afternoon but it increased around the time most people got home from work.

They say more water is being used than the city can produce and there’s a danger it may run out, putting services like firefighting at risk.

The size of the break is considered unprecedented.

Businesses have also been asked to stop using water for non-essential services. Hospitals and restaurants and businesses that use water to deliver life-sustaining products or services or to meet health code standards are exempt.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2024.

9
-8