Calgary water emergency: Crews still on track to finish repairs by Stampede

In a Sunday morning update, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek provided the latest regarding the city’s ongoing water emergency after a water main break more than two weeks ago.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek provided another update Sunday morning to the city’s ongoing water emergency following a water main break more than two weeks ago.

Speaking to reporters, she said two areas have been set up to provide non-potable or untreated water to residents who have been unable to collect rainwater at home.

Water collection sites will be located at Baker Park and the Ogden boat launch, she said.

“We want to remind you only to take what you need — it’s a temporary fix, and it’s not intended for large-scale water collection,” Gondek said.

“And a reminder that this is river water. It’s non-potable, it has not been treated, so it’s not safe for consumption.”

Sunday’s update comes one week after officials declared a local state of emergency over the water supply crisis, triggered by what the city has described as a “catastrophic” water main break on June 5.

A massive feeder main, which carries water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, broke in the Montgomery neighbourhood of northwest Calgary. Officials have described the feeder main as a “critical” water line.

Regarding the status of the feeder main repair, Gondek said crews are still on track to have everything fixed by July 5, the first day of the Calgary Stampede.