Airdrie under stage 4 water restrictions due to Calgary break

Airdrie faces stage 4 water restrictions after a major Calgary watermain break, with residents frustrated over repeated disruptions and conservation efforts.

Airdrie Faces Stage 4 Water Restrictions

Airdrie, with a population nearing 90,000, is the largest community outside Calgary. It receives water from Calgary and has now implemented stage 4 water restrictions due to a major watermain break in Calgary. Some residents are unhappy with this situation.

One resident expressed her frustration to CityNews, saying, “I can’t believe how annoyed I was when I heard again that this was coming up. Money seems to be getting wasted left right and centre on everything, except on important stuff like the infrastructure.” She believes people are experiencing water conservation fatigue and may not follow the restrictions as strictly as they did in 2024.

Another resident noted the challenges for parents of young children. “You cannot regulate them — like ‘OK take a cup of water to brush your teeth.. you can’t,” he said. “Kids are kids, so it’s sometimes tough.”

Many people CityNews spoke with in Airdrie were unaware of the water restrictions. Some did not know about the recent major water main break, aside from the one in the summer of 2024. Others were aware of the restrictions but did not understand the seriousness of the situation.

One resident mentioned, “My Airdrie online utility bill when I went to go pay it, it said try and reduce water usage – so three minute showers, no watering outside – which I don’t know why you would be — but that was all I’ve seen.”

Despite the annoyance among some residents, Mayor Heather Spearman stated that Airdrie has successfully reduced water consumption. “Every single day we’ve seen a reduction in usage, anywhere from six to 10 per cent in reduction. So Airdrie is doing an excellent job of trying to do their best to accommodate. We’re just trying to be a good neighbour and help support Calgary,” she said.

Spearman added that receiving water from other communities like Crossfield or Drumheller is not a viable option due to infrastructure size or distance.