Calgary 
The City of Calgary has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Bowness and implemented Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions city-wide following a significant water main break discovered on the evening of June 5.
This break, located in the Bowness and Montgomery area, affects a crucial transmission line essential for water distribution across the city.
In response to the incident, Calgary has activated its Municipal Emergency Plan. The duration of the Boil Water Advisory and water restrictions remains uncertain as repair crews are working around the clock to address the issue.
Under the Boil Water Advisory, residents and businesses in Bowness must boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, washing raw foods, preparing infant formula or juices, and making ice.
During a boil water advisory, tap water isn’t safe for usual use. Avoid drinking or preparing food with it, and discard ice or food made with tap water. Home water filters won’t purify it. Use bottled or boiled water for pets and pod-style coffee makers. Clean food-contact surfaces with soap, water, and a bleach solution. Dishes should be soaked in a bleach solution for two minutes. Tap water can be used for laundry and non-food surfaces. After the advisory, flush water lines, clean cisterns, sanitize appliances, and follow manufacturer instructions for water softeners and hot-water tanks.
This precautionary measure will stay in place until further notice, with Alberta Health Services and city officials continuously monitoring water safety through sampling and testing.
In addition to the Boil Water Advisory, Calgary has enforced a mandatory outdoor watering ban and is urging residents to reduce non-essential indoor water use. Recommended actions include postponing the use of dishwashers and washing machines, taking shorter showers, minimizing bath water levels, turning off humidifiers and ice machines, and ensuring taps are closed when not in use.
Businesses that use large amounts of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are asked to cut back on water usage. Exceptions are granted for businesses essential to life and health, including those sustaining people, animals, and plants, and those adhering to health code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants.
For more details on safely using water during a Boil Water Advisory, visit Alberta Health Services’ resource page.
