Water Main Breaks a Costly Problem Nationwide, Not Just in Calgary and Montreal: Report

Work to repair a major water main continues in Calgary on June 7, 2024. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

The strength of water supply pipelines across Canada is in question after surprise water main breaks in Calgary and Montreal, with about a third of the pipes reaching the end of their expected lifespan, according to a recent report.

Calgary’s water main break in early June resulted in the city imposing water use restrictions for several weeks. The restrictions were lifted on July 2, but on Aug. 7 the city said it would need to put water restrictions back in place for more work on the water line.