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Mayor Commends Calgarians for Water Conservation as Boil Water Advisory Lifts for Bowness
Hey Calgary, here's some good news amidst our recent water woes. Despite the ongoing water restrictions due to that massive water main break last week, our city’s mayor, Jyoti Gondek, took a moment to thank you all on Monday morning for stepping up and conserving water.
A Remarkable Reduction in Water Usage
In a statement delivered just after 8:30 a.m., Mayor Gondek praised the community's efforts, revealing some impressive numbers. On Sunday, the city used 457 million liters of water, a significant drop from the 650 million liters used last Wednesday. Saturday’s usage was also down to about 440 million liters. Just to put it in perspective, our usual consumption for this time of year hovers around 580 million liters. So, you’re definitely making a difference!
“Calgarians, you have been incredible in cutting your water usage,” Gondek said. “Keep this up.” She highlighted that the current supply available to Calgary is around 620 million liters, but reminded everyone that we need extra supply for emergencies and for our firefighters to do their jobs effectively.
Simple Ways to Save Water
Gondek also shared some simple yet effective tips for conserving water, such as taking shorter showers and flushing toilets less frequently. Even though our water supply is slowly recovering, we are still not at the typical levels needed for this time of year. The mayor issued a stark warning: if we don’t continue conserving, we might actually run out of water. Imagine turning on your tap and nothing coming out—not just a scene from a movie anymore.
The Water Main Break and Its Aftermath
Last Wednesday, a water main break in the Montgomery neighborhood led to a boil water advisory for nearby Bowness. This break, described as a “critical water transmission line,” has severely impacted our city’s water supply and distribution. Without the ongoing conservation efforts, our water supply might not meet the demand.
City officials have been hard at work repairing the damage. On Sunday night, an update revealed that crews are making significant progress. They managed to cut into the damaged pipe, which is a crucial step toward replacing the compromised section. This process involves various technical tests to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The Repair Process
Mackay, one of the officials overseeing the repair, assured residents that crews are working around the clock to fix the feeder main. Despite the challenges, especially for residents and businesses in Bowness, the team remains dedicated.
Interestingly, there was another unrelated water main break on 32nd Avenue and Bowness Road. Mackay mentioned that small breaks like these are not unusual, as the city typically sees around 200 main breaks annually in its distribution system.
Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Bowness
Good news for Bowness residents! Alberta Health Services lifted the boil water advisory after confirming that the water quality has been restored. As of 7 p.m. on Sunday, all residents in the community can return to their normal water consumption practices. However, do keep in mind that Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions are still in place for Calgary.
For anyone with health concerns, the Health Link is available 24/7 at 8-1-1. Mayor Gondek mentioned that a temporary workaround was found, allowing drinking water to return to Bowness homes while repairs on the feeder main continue.
Staying Updated
For the latest updates, you can follow the City of Calgary on social media or check their website. Alberta Emergency Alerts and Alberta Health Services also provide useful information, especially concerning water advisories.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, Calgary. Your efforts in conserving water have not gone unnoticed and are crucial in these challenging times. The city is working tirelessly to repair the damage, and there’s hope on the horizon with the lifted boil water advisory for Bowness.
Do you agree with the mayor's approach? Think there's more that can be done? Or maybe you have some tips on water conservation? Have your say below in the comments. Let's keep the conversation going and continue supporting each other through this.