CALGARY — Calgary officials are urging residents to conserve water by showering less frequently after a major water main burst for the second time in less than two years.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas says the southern Bearpaw feeder remains “very much in the red zone” after the Dec. 30 rupture, and the city is using more water than it can produce and store.
Chris Houston, Calgary's manager of drinking water distribution, says the city of 1.6 million people needs to use less than 485 million liters of water each day for several weeks.
Houston says Calgarians can do their part and save 10 to 30 liters a day by showering for three minutes instead of 10 and only running their washing machines or dishwashers when they're full.
Nicole Newton, director of climate and environment, says the city has not seen a “measurable reduction” in water use since the breakthrough.
Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services, says it's unclear why the water main broke a second time after the first break in the summer of 2024 prompted months of water restrictions and advisories.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 1, 2026.
– Wolfgang Depner from Victoria.
