What do you need to know? We answer your questions about Calgary's catastrophic water main break (2024)

FAQs

How long will it take to fix the water main break in Calgary? ›

A: The final stage of repairs, water testing, is expected to be complete on July 1. Initially, indoor restrictions will be lifted, said Gondek, but the outdoor ban will remain as the city gradually reintroduces full water service to residents to avoid overwhelming the pipes.

Water main breaks occur for a number of reasons, but the most common reasons are age and temperature. All materials wear out over time, which can eventually result in a water main failure. Temperature is also a big factor. As the ground freezes, it contracts and puts pressure on the water mains.

Calgary's water is considered hard because of the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water from the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Tap water in Calgary is considered safe to drink by Canadian authorities based on minimum quality standards for the contaminants they measure.

WSSC suggests running all COLD water taps for about five minutes or until the water runs clear.

If your water supply is interrupted by an emergency, such as a burst main water pipe, your water company must restore the supply within 12 hours of becoming aware of the problem. However, if it's in a strategic main pipe, they must restore the supply within 48 hours.

Limit Water Use - Try to limit water use during a water main break. Avoid drinking tap water, taking a shower or bath, doing laundry, or running the dishwasher. Dirt, debris, and bacteria can contaminate water after a water main break.

When a water main breaks, water pressure drops can occur, leading to water supply contamination. This can allow harmful substances, such as bacteria, to enter the water, posing a serious consumer risk.

Raw water enters large mixing tanks where aluminum sulphate, sand and polymer are added which attach to particles in the water creating what is known as “floc”. This makes the particles heavy, causing them to settle to the bottom of the settling tank.

Calgary has two sources of drinking water: the Elbow River and Bow River. Source water is supplied to the drinking water treatment plants by three intakes.

What body of water is Calgary on? ›

Elbow River

The elbow river is one of the major rivers in the city of Calgary.

The tap water in Calgary is safe to drink, as it is treated by the City. Installing a water softener may add sodium content to the drinking water supply but this is generally a tiny amount that will not cause any negative impact on your health. The sodium content of many foods and beverages is far higher.

Within Calgary, the cost of utilities can swing based heavily on the size of your home and how much you consume. A vital part of these expenses is the average monthly water bill, which, in Calgary, typically ranges from $75 to $125. This charge includes the water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.

80% of Switzerland's tap water comes directly from the ground, whereas 20% is sourced from lakes. Groundwater protection zones along with the Water Protection Act ensure that Switzerland, known as the country with the cleanest water in the world, ensures its population receives the cleanest water in the world.

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to have a water main break completely repaired. The amount of time it takes to fix a water main depends on the size of the break, where the break is located, and what type of environment it is in.

Typically, main water line pipes last decades. Some experts estimate that they last around 70 years, though this can vary from development to development. If your home is considerably dated–if it was built in or before the 1950s or even the 1980s–you should have its water line inspected.