Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed frustration Sunday morning about the city’s ongoing water emergency response. She emphasized the need for clear and accessible information for Calgarians, acknowledging that some residents still underestimate the seriousness of the situation. Gondek explained that if water conservation measures are not followed, the city could run out of water despite having it at the treatment plant. The crisis began Wednesday night with a massive feeder main break, triggering a boil-water advisory for Bowness residents. Despite water wagons being deployed in Bowness, Calgarians outside the area are also asked to conserve water. The feeder main, which carries water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, is a critical transmission line, and its damage has severely impacted the city’s water supply. The Bearspaw plant, which usually distributes 500 megalitres of water daily, is currently only providing 130 megalitres. Gondek described the repair process as complex and time-consuming, involving cutting out the broken section, replacing it with steel, and welding it to the existing pipe. The entire process is expected to take at least five to seven days, as the feeder main serves 23 reservoirs covering around 60% of the city. Until the feeder main is fixed, those reservoirs cannot be refilled once they are empty. The city is currently relying on the South Glenmore Treatment Plant to supply water to the remaining 40% of the city. Gondek emphasized the critical nature of the situation, as the backup plan is already in effect. She urged Calgarians to minimize water use, including shorter showers, reducing flushing, and postponing laundry. The city has also received queries about infrastructure maintenance following the break. Gondek stated that field checks and sensors are routinely used to monitor pipes, but the broken feeder main was expected to last 100 years and had only reached the 50-year mark. She mentioned that the city has invested $300 million in water infrastructure maintenance over the past six years, and other critical pipes and feeder mains are in good condition. Gondek acknowledged that communication during the 2013 flood was more effective and pledged improvements. She committed to daily updates at 8:30 a.m. and emergency official updates at 2 p.m. until the situation is resolved.
