Updated June 19 at 3:30 p.m. Some homes in the community of Elkford are without water after the failure of a water pump motor on Tuesday, June 16. Properties south of Balmer Crescent do not have any water and have been given a boil water notice. Properties just north of this area, from Ash Crescent to Alpine Drive, are experiencing low water pressure and are not currently under a boil water notice. “District staff have been working hard to respond to this disruption and support
affected residents,” stated mayor Steve Fairbairn in a news release. “We know this has had a real impact on people, and we appreciate the patience, cooperation and neighbourly support shown across the community while this work continues.” According to the District of Elkford, one of the system’s two water pumps was removed earlier this year due to wear and tear and a replacement is still in production. The remaining pump failed on Tuesday and the motor was disconnected and transported to Calgary for assessment and
repair since it couldn’t be fixed locally. The District has indicated repairs to the broken motor are expected to take up to five days, but that getting an entirely new replacement would take up to 12 weeks. The District is recommending that all property owners in the affected area turn off the main water valve in their building to help the reservoir regenerate. There are also community-wide restrictions on sprinklers and irrigation systems, and all fire permits have been rescinded until further notice. Hand-watering potted
and container flowers or plants is still permitted. The District noted staff are reviewing alternate options to restore service sooner, so long as changes can be implemented safely and without risk to the system. Residents are also encouraged to visit the District of Elkford’s website and the District’s Facebook page for official updates as information is confirmed, with more information released later today. The District extends gratitude to all the businesses, residents and partner organizations who have supported the response efforts.
Elkford, water outage, pump failure, boil water notice, low water pressure, boil water notice Elkford, fire permits rescinded, sprinkler restrictions
So they took the pump out earlier and now it fails… classic. Do they even have backups??
Boil water notice but only some streets? How do you tell where the water is “low” vs “no water” like… the whole place is still connected right. Also rescinded fire permits?? That seems like overkill.
Wait they shipped the motor to Calgary because it couldn’t be fixed locally?? That feels like a long way to go for “assessment and repair.” Five days sounds optimistic if it was already worn out. My cousin said it was going to be like 2 weeks so idk.
Turning off the main water valve so the reservoir regenerates… ok but what about people with kids and laundry and all that, like are they just supposed to suffer until the pump is back. Also why are sprinkler restrictions a thing if it’s just a motor failure? Seems like they’re punishing everyone for something.