State of local emergency called as Cochrane, Alta., residents could run out of water

Officials in Cochrane, Alta., say water levels in the community's reservoirs are very low, meaning some residents could run out of water.

Officials in Cochrane, Alta., say water levels in the community's reservoirs are very low, meaning some residents could run out of water.

The town says it has declared a state of local emergency over the issue, which began on Oct. 21 when a contractor punctured a sewage and water line.

The new measure, which allows the town to "take extraordinary actions," comes after Cochrane put mandatory water conservation rules in place earlier this week.

Officials said drinking water supplies for Cochrane and Calgary are safe, but the issue has disrupted the town's ability to supply water.

In response, several businesses have restricted their water use and residents were told to do the same, but the town says some aren't fully on board yet.

"All Cochrane residents and businesses must adhere to emergency mandatory water conservation," the town said in a statement.

Shawn Polley, Cochrane's emergency coordination centre director, said the situation could become dire for some residents.