Calgary residents are being asked to reduce their water by 25 per cent; this plea comes after officials said that Calgary is currently using more water than it can produce.

At a Friday morning news conference, officials said that while yesterday Calgary saw a significant reduction in water use until the afternoon, water use greatly increased around the time people got home from work. 

"This current level of water use cannot continue. If we do not reduce our water use even further, we're at risk of running out so please keep following the outdoor watering ban and cut down on your non-essential indoor water use; both at work and home," said Nancy Mackay, City of Calgary Director for Water Services. "We are trying to get back to normal as fast as we can, but this is a massive break that cannot be repaired in a day or two."

Mackay added that city crews were able to pump water from the area around the break overnight, which is a necessary step before excavation happens.

"We are hopeful that later today, we'll be able to fully expose the section of the feeder main to see the extent of the break. This will help us finalize our repair plans. We are continuing to shift to drinking water from our Glenmore Water Treatment Plant around the city. We're working that plant very hard to get water to everyone," Mackay added. "We've also been able to adjust some of the pumping around the city so that we're able to get water differently to some of the communities."

According to Susan Henry, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), as of Friday morning, Calgary bylaw officers had responded to 56 calls for misuse of water and attended eight service calls for having a fire during a fire ban. 

Yesterday, it was revealed that the break occurred in a key water supply pipe that carries water across the city, which has impacted not only water availability in Calgary, but in other neighbouring communities including Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere.

As of Friday morning, Calgary also continues to be under Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions, while a Boil Water Advisory remains in place for all residents and businesses in Bowness.

"Alberta Health Services and The City of Calgary will continue to monitor the situation, including sampling and testing of the drinking water to ensure it is safe for consumption. This advisory is being issued as a precautionary measure. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice."

The City of Calgary added that Community Standards will be taking a compliance-first approach with both businesses and residents while Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place.

"Restrictions include no use of sprinklers, hoses with spray nozzle (only for gardens, trees and shrubs) and washing outdoors (cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways). Continued non-compliance will result in fines starting at $3,000."

City of Calgary pool facilities are closed.

"Southland Leisure Centre & Village Square Leisure Centre: the weight room, non-water-based registered and drop-in programs are still available. The water parks, wave pools and showers are closed. All impacted programs, classes and lessons will be automatically cancelled and refunded."

While all arenas are also closed.

"... Except those with dry pads (non-ice). Some ice bookings will be impacted. Groups will be notified."

Athletic parks will have disruptions, though will remain open.

"... No showers are available at City athletic parks."

Fire Hall Bulk Water Stations are temporarily closed until further notice unit the water restriction is lifted.

Due to the major water main break and Level 4 water restrictions in the city, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has issued a city-wide full fire ban prohibiting the use of fire pits, recreational campfires, outdoor fireplaces and other open flame devices that burn solid fuels barbecues and stoves (charcoal briquettes or wood). The fire ban will be in effect until further notice.

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