Calgary under water supply alert as province sends out emergency notice

Repair work at the site of a water main break on Dec. 30, 2025, is complete and crews are now backfilling the area, the city said Wednesday.

The Alberta government issued an emergency alert over the water supply in the city of Calgary and surrounding areas on Wednesday, in connection with the feeder main break on Dec. 30, 2025.

The province sent out the notification online around noon on Wednesday.

“This is an Alberta emergency alert. The City of Calgary has issued a water supply alert,” the notification read.

“Supply levels remain in a critical state, affecting the city’s ability to provide water to communities and ensure adequate water is available for firefighting.”

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The alert applies to all residents who rely on Calgary’s water supply, including all city residents as well as those living in Airdrie, Strathmore, Chestermere and the Tsuu T’ina Nation.

The province’s warning echoed that of municipal leaders who are urging residents to do all they can to conserve water, including reducing indoor consumption as much as possible.

According to the city, 507 million litres of water was used on Wednesday, again above the target level of 485 million litres – a limit that divides sustainable and unsustainable water use.

The figure is down from Tuesday’s 511 million litres.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place as crews are continuing work on repairing the watermain break on 16 Avenue N.W. east of Sarcee Trail.

On Wednesday evening, officials said the new pipe to replace the broken section was put into place and welded. Back filling has also begun.

To conserve water, residents are being told to limit showers to three minutes and skip unnecessary toilet flushes.

“We recognize this ongoing situation is challenging, and we appreciate the efforts people have already made. We need everyone to continue finding ways to reduce water usage so we can protect the system and maintain essential services,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief Susan Henry in a news release.

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Officials said that everyone needs to reduce their usage by about 25 to 30 litres per day – the equivalent of one-and-a-half water cooler jugs.

City recreation centres remain open, but steam rooms are closed, and wave pool and water slide hours have been adjusted to reduce water use, officials said.

Officials are expected to have an update on the repair work at 1 p.m.