Emergency alert issued as Calgary water supply remains in “critical” state
Calgary’s water supply has hit a critical low, forcing an emergency alert and prompting dire warnings from authorities that essential services like firefighting could be compromised.
Calgary’s water supply has hit a critical low, forcing an emergency alert and prompting dire warnings from authorities that essential services like firefighting could be compromised if residents don’t immediately slash consumption.
“All residents and businesses must conserve water. Reduce indoor water consumption as much as possible. Limit showers and flushing toilets. Only do full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine,” said the agency.
An emergency alert was issued for all communities connected to Calgary’s water system, including Airdrie, Strathmore, Tsuu T’ina Nation and Chestermere, after the water supply hit a critical level.
The alert is a result of a feeder main break along 16 Avenue N.W. that continues to strain the system.
The alert came two days after Mayor Jeromy Farkas warned Calgarians that water usage was in the “redzone,” which he said would “enter loss-of-life territory” without immediate reductions.
The city reported that Calgarians used 514 million litres (ML) of water on Monday, “well above the target zone of 485 ML and another increase over the day before.”
Farkas’ Wednesday update showed the level remained high at 511 ML.
The emergency alert was issued as the Calgary city council debates the findings of a newly released independent review into the June 2024 Bearspaw South feeder main failure.
The report concludes the city identified serious risks with the aging pipe system years ago but repeatedly deferred inspection, monitoring and mitigation.
Councillor Dan McLean said the report confirms long-standing concerns about how the city managed its most critical water infrastructure.
“This report delivers a shocking and damning indictment of repeated failures at City Hall. Warnings were known. Risks were clear. Action was delayed,” he said.
McLean added that the “key findings are unmistakable.”
“Previous Councils and City Administration knew Calgary’s water infrastructure was aging and that the BPSFM faced severe risk — yet chose to prioritize other projects over our most critical utility,” he said.
McLean listed a lengthy list of other key issues.
“This cannot continue. Our current City Council MUST take decisive, immediate action to protect Calgary’s water system and fast-track repairs to the BPSFM and this Report provides solid recommendations on how to move forward. Calgarians expect accountability. And they deserve action,” he said.
A review found the Bearspaw South feeder main carries up to 60 per cent of Calgary’s potable water. It warned that a similar failure under less favourable conditions could have resulted in severe service interruptions or boil-water advisories. The panel called for accelerated repairs, stronger oversight and a governance overhaul to prevent future crises.
City crews continue working around the clock at the break site along 16 Avenue N.W. The damaged section of pipe has been removed, and inspections are underway to assess the condition of adjacent segments. The city said those inspections are necessary to inform future repairs and will not delay restoring the line to service.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith laid some of the blame for the critical water level on former Calgary mayor and current Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.
She explained that the city’s water system had years of higher leakage levels than any other municipality, citing leaks of up to 20 per cent.
“Yet, after the floods, they didn’t bother to do any investigation on the water main. And, you have to ask the question, well, who was the mayor after the floods of 2013 until he decided to retire? That was Naheed Nenshi,” said Smith.
Calgary remains under Stage 4 water restrictions, the strictest level, which ban nearly all outdoor water use and carry fines of up to $3,000 for violations. Officials continue urging residents to immediately reduce indoor consumption to help stabilize the system as repair work continues.
Hopefully The Nenshi is still living in Calgary so he too can enjoy the " fruits of his labour".
This is more proof that the Woke/ CCP have deeply infiltrated ALL three levels of our "Covernment"..and there is NO WAY that all members (top to bottom) of EVERY political party don't know exactly what AGENDA 21 is all about..and their silence makes them ALL guilty of treason