Calgary to provide update on water main break

The City of Calgary is providing an update on the city’s water issues following a major water main break.

Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry and City of Calgary water services director Nancy Mackay will speak at 8 a.m.

The main that burst Wednesday evening is a critical transmission line that moves water across the city.

Crews are still figuring out what caused the 78-inch reinforced concrete pipe to fail while they work to repair it.

The city says it has the tools and parts to fix it, but getting to where it broke and clearing it out is will take at least a day or two

Mayor Jyoti Gondek said it would also be several days before water restrictions are lifted.

She doesn’t expect the taps to run dry, but the city’s supply is still at a critical level.

Calgary and several surrounding communities, which draw on the same water sources as the city, remain under level four water restrictions.

Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions mean you can’t water plants, your lawn or use tap water for any other purpose outside.

Residents are also being asked to reduce water use by taking quick showers, shallow baths and being smart about using dishwashers and washing machines.

A fire ban is also in effect since the water supply is low.

The community of Bowness is also still under a boil water advisory, which means all residents must boil tap water for at least a minute before using it.