District of Elkford Public Works crews continue to work tirelessly to restore water service to residents who have been without water following a pump failure in one section of the community’s water system.

Over the weekend, crews implemented multiple temporary solutions to introduce water into the system and support fire protection. These measures have also helped stabilize the system and allow for more efficient operation once the primary pump is reinstalled.

“On Friday, our Public Works team was able to connect two temporary booster pumps into the system,” said Elkford Mayor Steve Fairbairn. “While these solutions are not enough to sustain demand or restore full service, they have allowed us to begin refilling the reservoir for fire protection and moving water through parts of the system in preparation for the main pump to arrive.”

Some water service has now been partially restored through these efforts, and some properties may see water return intermittently. However, these temporary measures do not provide sufficient capacity to restore full service to the affected area.

Residents are strongly advised not to use water at this time, as it may delay system stabilization. Water moving through the system may also contain sediment and is not suitable for use. Any water returning to the system is not potable and must not be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or other consumption purposes.

As the reservoir continues to refill, crews can gradually open sections of the system to begin refilling lines in preparation for installation of the repaired pump.

“We understand that seeing water return, even occasionally, can be encouraging,” added Fairbairn. “But it’s important to remember that this is not a return to normal service, and the current system cannot support regular household use.”

Residents are reminded to keep hot water tanks and main water valves turned OFF and avoid using any water until further direction is provided. Any water returning to the system is not potable and must not be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or any other consumption purpose.

The district will complete system flushing before normal use can resume and will advise when water can be used safely.

The BOIL WATER NOTICE remains in effect for the impacted area and will continue to remain in place after water service is restored until flushing, chlorination and water quality testing are complete.

The pump repairs underway in Calgary are expected to be completed this week. Once the pump has been reinstalled, several additional steps must be completed before full service can be restored.

“We have established six stages leading up to full resumption of water service and want to ensure residents understand what to expect,” said Chief Administrative Officer Jeff McConnell. “Even after the pump is reinstalled, it will take several days to move through these stages safely.”

• STAGE 1: Active Repair Work (CURRENT STAGE);
• STAGE 2: Reinstallation and System Start;
• STAGE 3: Pressure Return & Service Stabilization;
• STAGE 4: Flushing, Chlorination & Water Quality Testing;
• STAGE 5: Boil Water Notice Remains in Effect;
• STAGE 6: Return to Full Service.

DRINKING WATER

Residents may drop by District of Elkford facilities downtown to refill water bottles at indoor fountains, as needed.

Water refill stations remain available outside of the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive) and Elk River Crossing Car Wash (6 Front Street). Water collected from these locations should be boiled before consumption.

Flats of bottled water are also available from Public Works crew members stationed in front of the Elkford Fire Hall (2300 Balmer Drive).

NON-POTABLE WATER

Non-potable water remains available through a Public Works water truck circulating within the affected area and at the tank truck in front of the Elkford Fire Hall (2300 Balmer Drive). This water is not for drinking, even if boiled.

Residents in the affected area may leave jugs at the curb for refill by Public Works.

SHOWERS

• Free public showers at the Elkford Aquatic Centre (816C Michel Road) remain available from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., including Sunday and Monday. The pool itself is not open for use on those days, but showers remain available.
• Showers are also now available at the Recreation Centre (816B Michel Road) from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

To support ongoing response efforts, the district has created a dedicated information page for updates, service locations and resources on its website.

“We recognize the impact this disruption is having across the community, particularly for residents who have been without water for an extended period,” said Fairbairn. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, their cooperation in following restrictions, and the way neighbours are continuing to support one another.”

The district will continue to provide updates as work progresses through the stages of service restoration.

For questions or assistance, contact Public Works at 250.865.4025 or [email protected].

District of Elkford

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