Calgary declares state of emergency over water pipeline repairs

(UI) — According to Reuters, Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, Canada, has entered a state of local emergency due to critical repairs needed on its main water pipeline, Mayor Jyoti Gondek announced on Saturday.

The city is grappling with a severe shortage of water caused by a recent breach in its main water pipeline, prompting urgent appeals from Mayor Gondek to immediately reduce water consumption.

Water use restrictions are expected to remain in effect for at least a month or longer, following an internal assessment that identified multiple vulnerable areas in the damaged pipeline, according to Gondek.

"This is not a decision that was made lightly, but as we shared yesterday at 5 p.m., the investigation of the broken feeder main pipe revealed that there are five more areas that need repairs,” Gondek told Reuters.

The rupture in the city's main water feeder, serving 1.2 million residents, resulted in flooding on streets, sports fields, and a section of the TransCanada Highway, which remains closed.

Downtown Calgary, where many of Canada's oil and gas firms are headquartered, is feeling the impact of the crisis. Consequently, outdoor watering has been prohibited, and residents are advised to delay using dishwashers, washing machines, and to minimize shower durations.

The affected pipeline, spanning 11 kilometers and installed in 1975, is vital as one of Calgary's largest and most critical water supply arteries.

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