Water Service Disruption

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,” says 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,” adds 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,” says 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: https://engage.elkford.ca/waterservicedisruption.

“We recognize the impact this disruption is having across the community, particularly for residents who have been without water for an extended period,” says 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 publicworks@elkford.ca.

LINK TO AFFECTED AREAS MAP: https://engage.elkford.ca/52857/widgets/223852/documents/170475

AFFECTED AREAS INFORMATION & MAP

Red Zone:

A Boil Water Notice is in effect and will remain in effect after water service is restored until the District advises otherwise.

• Residents in the affected area must use boiled water or a safe alternative until further notice. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool before using it for:
  • Drinking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Preparing infant formula
  • Washing fruits and vegetables
  • Preparing food or beverages
  • Making ice
• Shut off hot water tank immediately.
• Shut off main water valve coming into your home or building.
• A Public Works water truck will continue circulating within the affected area for non-potable water access.
  • Residents in the red zone can leave jugs at the curb for refill by Public Works.
  • This water is not for drinking, even if boiled.

Blue Zone:

• Reduced water pressure may occur
• Please use water only for essential purposes
• There are no water quality advisories or notices in effect for the blue shaded area

Other Areas:

• There are no service impacts or water quality notices in effect for the remainder of the District.
• All residents in Elkford are asked to turn off irrigation systems and disconnect sprinklers until further notice.
• Residents are encouraged to check on neighbours, friends and family who may need help accessing water or services.
  • If someone requires assistance, contact Public Works at 250.865.4025.

The District continues to work on multiple temporary solutions to restore water as quickly as possible. Some water service has now been partially restored through these measures, and some homes may see water return on and off throughout the weekend. While this short-term solution will support a portion of normal system demand, it will not restore full service at this time.

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 will not be 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.

As communicated on June 17, a BOIL WATER NOTICE will remain in place for the affected area after water service is restored and will remain in effect until flushing, chlorination and water quality testing are complete.

Although no further updates were expected, this represents meaningful progress and is being shared accordingly. We appreciate the community’s continued patience and cooperation as District crews and staff work to restore service and reduce the impact of the disruption.

The next update is anticipated on Monday, unless conditions change.

Questions? Contact Public Works at 250.865.4025 or publicworks@elkford.ca.

WATER SERVICE DISRUPTION UPDATE: FIRE RESTRICTIONS REMINDER
June 19, 2026: 5:45 p.m.

The District of Elkford would like to remind residents of temporary fire restrictions currently in place due to the ongoing water service disruption.

These measures help ensure fire protection capacity is maintained while water service remains limited.

RESTRICTIONS

• All open burning is prohibited throughout the District of Elkford until further notice.
• All issued fire permits are rescinded until further notice.

FIRE PROTECTION

• Elkford Fire and Emergency Services has implemented an emergency response plan.
• Fire crews remain available to respond 24/7.

If you see fire or believe a fire may be present, call 911 immediately.

For non-emergency inquiries:
Elkford Fire and Emergency Services
250.865.4020

The District of Elkford is issuing an updated timeline for the water service disruption affecting a portion of the community.

We have received updated information on the failed pump motor. During the rebuild, it was determined that additional repairs to the motor are required. Based on the current estimate, completion of those repairs is now expected to take approximately four to five days.

This means water service will not be restored today or tomorrow. The exact timeline for restoration will depend on completion of repairs, safe reinstallation of the motor and the return of the system to service.

A new replacement pump has been under consideration from the beginning. However, the quoted lead time is a minimum of four to 12 weeks, making repair the more efficient solution in the immediate term.

District crews and staff are continuing to pursue every possible alternative solution that may help restore service sooner, provided it can be implemented safely and without risk to the system. If water is restored to the affected area sooner than anticipated, it will not be potable. It must not be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or any other consumption purpose. To assist in reservoir regeneration, we recommend all properties in the affected area turn off the main water valve in their building.

We recognize the impact this disruption is having on affected residents and businesses. We appreciate the patience and support shown across the community as crews continue working to restore service.

CURRENT STATUS

• The affected area remains without water.
• A BOIL WATER NOTICE remains in effect for the red highlighted area and will remain in effect after water service is restored until the District advises otherwise.
• The blue highlighted area may continue to experience low water pressure, but it is not under a BOIL WATER NOTICE. Areas not highlighted on the map are also not under a BOIL WATER NOTICE.
• District-wide restrictions on sprinklers and irrigation systems remain in effect.
• Hand-watering potted and container flowers or plants is permitted.
• All fire permits within the District of Elkford are rescinded until further notice.

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 at 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.

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. 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 will continue to be available at the Elkford Aquatic Centre from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., including Sunday and Monday. The pool will not be open for use on those days, but the public showers will remain available.

ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT

• If you need help accessing water due to mobility or accessibility needs, please call 250.865.4025.

No further updates will be provided until Monday unless there is a significant development in the situation. Residents can look to the District of Elkford website and Facebook page for official updates.

Good morning, Elkford.

There is no significant change to report this morning. Repair work on the failed pump motor remains underway, and the earliest anticipated timeline for reinstallation continues to be late today (June 18).

There is no confirmed time for restoration, and water service may not return today. The timeline may change as repairs progress and crews work to safely reinstall the motor and bring the system back online.

We recognize that this disruption continues to affect residents in significant ways. We are grateful for the patience, care and support shown across the community by residents, businesses and partner organizations as District crews and staff continue working to restore service and reduce the impact of the disruption.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

• A BOIL WATER NOTICE remains in effect for the red highlighted area and will remain in effect after water service is restored until the District advises otherwise. The affected area remains without water.
• The blue highlighted area may continue to experience low water pressure, but it is not under a BOIL WATER NOTICE. Areas not highlighted on the map are also not under a BOIL WATER NOTICE.
• District-wide restrictions on sprinklers and irrigation systems remain in effect.
• Going forward, residents are now permitted to hand-water potted and container flowers or plants.

WATER ACCESS

• Residents may stop by District of Elkford facilities downtown to refill drinking water bottles inside at the fountains as needed.
• Free public showers are available at the Elkford Aquatic Centre from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, with extended hours.
• Water refill stations remain available at 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.
• A Public Works water truck is circulating within the affected area offering non-potable water, and non-potable water is also available via the tank truck in front of the Elkford Fire Hall. This water is not for drinking, even if boiled.

If you need help accessing water due to mobility or accessibility needs, please call 250.865.4025.

An additional update will be made later today on the District of Elkford website and Facebook page, even if there are no significant changes.

Questions? Contact Public Works at 250.865.4025 or publicworks@elkford.ca.

The District of Elkford is providing an evening update on the water service disruption affecting a portion of the community. Repair work on the failed pump motor is ongoing, and crews continue working to restore service.

The motor remains under assessment and repair. Based on current information, the earliest anticipated timeline for reinstallation remains June 18. Timelines may change as work progresses and additional information becomes available, and residents should expect conditions to continue evolving while repairs are underway.

A BOIL WATER NOTICE remains in place for the affected area. This is a notice, not an advisory. Water must be boiled before use for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and other consumption purposes.

WATER ACCESS AND SERVICES

• Bottled water distribution: Residents who were unable to pick up bottled water earlier today may do so at the Elkford Fire Hall (2300 Balmer Drive). Anyone requiring assistance due to mobility challenges is asked to call 250.865.4025 and follow the prompts for after-hours.
• Free public showers: Residents needing to shower can access free public showers at the Elkford Aquatic Centre (816C Michel Road) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow (June 17 and 18).
• Elk River Crossing Car Wash: Water is being made available from a potable source at the rear of the carwash (6 Front Street), with setup expected within the next couple of hours. This location will remain open overnight for access. While this water originates from a potable source, residents are advised to boil it before use. A supply of containers will be available on site. Residents are asked to take only what they need and to return all borrowed bottles to the carwash once the situation is resolved.
• Potable water refilling: Residents who have used their bottled water supply are welcome to refill containers at designated potable water stations. Designated refill locations that will remain accessible overnight include the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive) and Elk River Crossing Car Wash (6 Front Street), and boiling is still recommended prior to use as a precautionary measure.

“We’re continuing to respond to this disruption while maintaining access to essential services for residents,” said Jeff McConnell, Chief Administrative Officer. “Residents should continue to check the District of Elkford website and Facebook page for official updates as information is confirmed.”

The next update will be provided tomorrow morning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 17, 2026

DISTRICT OF ELKFORD PROVIDES FURTHER UPDATES ON WATER SERVICE DISRUPTION

A pump failure on June 16 has disrupted water service to a portion of Elkford. The motor on the pump serving the affected zone failed, interrupting service. The District of Elkford’s crews are working to restore service, and we continue to assess available options to do so safely.

The affected system was built with two wells and two pumps to provide redundancy. Under normal operating conditions, the pumps run in sequence, and either pump can operate independently.

Earlier this year, the larger of the two pumps was scheduled for removal and rebuild. During that process, we determined that the pump had wear that could not be repaired, and a replacement unit was ordered. That replacement pump is still in production and has not yet been delivered.

With that pump out of service, the remaining pump continued to supply the affected zone. On June 16, the motor on that pump failed. Our crews and electrical contractor assessed the motor, but they were unable to complete the repair locally. We then disconnected the motor and transported it to Calgary for assessment and repair by our regular contractor. The contractor is treating the work as a priority.

Based on the preliminary assessment, the motor appears repairable. At this time, we do not expect it to be ready for reinstallation before June 18 at the earliest. Once the motor is repaired and reinstalled, we expect to be able to restore water to the system.

“District staff have been working hard to respond to this disruption and support affected residents,” said Mayor Steve Fairbairn. “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.”

A boil water advisory will remain in place for the affected area after water service is restored. It will remain in effect until we complete the required flushing, chlorination and water quality testing. That process typically takes several days and must be completed before the advisory can be lifted.

We are also reviewing alternate options to restore service to the affected zone sooner, provided they can be implemented safely and without risk to the system. Recent upgrades to the water system improved redundancy and connectivity in this area, which has helped limit the number of properties affected.

“We are committed to providing clear and consistent information as this response continues,” said Jeff McConnell, Chief Administrative Officer. “Residents should continue to look to the District of Elkford website and the District’s Facebook page for official updates as information is confirmed. In the meantime, staff will continue working to support water access and respond to this disruption across the affected area.”

The District wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all the businesses, residents and partner organizations who have supported the response efforts.

Updates will continue as additional information is confirmed, and the next update will be provided before this evening.

Media Contact:

Jeff McConnell
Chief Administrative Officer
District of Elkford
jmcconnell@elkford.ca
250.865.4000

The District of Elkford continues to respond to a water system issue related to a pump failure. Crews are on site and working to restore normal service.

An update on system status will be provided later today.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

• A boil water advisory remains in place for the red highlighted area.
• Residents in the blue highlighted area may notice reduced water pressure.
• The issue remains limited to the identified service area.

WATER ACCESS AND SERVICES

• A Public Works water truck is circulating within the affected area. Residents can fill buckets or pails for non-potable use only, but please note that this water is not for drinking (even if boiled).
• A non-potable water fill station is available at the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive), with an additional being set up at the tank truck in front of the Elkford Fire Hall (2300 Balmer Drive) that should be available by 11 a.m. Please note that this water is also not for drinking (even if boiled).
• Bottled potable (drinking) water is being arranged for public distribution. Details will be shared on the District of Elkford website at www.elkford.ca and Facebook page once confirmed.
• Public showers are available at the Aquatic Centre (816C Michel Road).
• All properties within the red highlighted area are advised to shut off hot water tanks immediately.

We encourage residents to check on neighbours, friends and family who may need support. If someone requires assistance or additional help accessing water, please contact Public Works at 250.865.4025.

RESTRICTIONS AND FIRE PROTECTION

• All fire permits within the District of Elkford are rescinded until further notice.
• Water use restrictions and a boil water advisory remain in place. Residents in the blue highlighted area are asked to continue limiting non-essential water use.
• The District of Elkford fire department has an emergency plan and water available in the event of a fire-related emergency.

For the latest information, please check the District of Elkford website at www.elkford.ca and the District of Elkford Facebook page. Updates will be provided as information is confirmed.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.

Jesse Huisman
Director of Engineering and Public Works
publicworks@elkford.ca
250.865.4025