Why Multi-Unit Properties Are More Prone to Water Damage
February 5, 2025
Calgary experienced a harrowing ordeal on June 5, when a catastrophic water main break plunged the city into an unprecedented water crisis. The broken water main crippled the city’s ability to deliver water, and the strain on the system was immense. The emergency alert that ripped through Calgary’s early morning silence was a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerability.
Officials issued a mandatory water advisory, urging residents and businesses to drastically curtail water usage. Showers, dishwashing, and even essential appliances became luxuries and a complete outdoor water use ban was issued, as the city teetered on the brink of a water supply collapse. It was a call to arms, a demand for collective action to conserve a precious resource.
Amid this crisis, we decided to check in on our Water Monkey network installed throughout various residential and commercial buildings in Calgary. The Water Monkey monitors usage patterns and provides a unique perspective on the city’s response to the water advisory.
The results were both shocking and revealing. Despite the urgent pleas from city officials, the data collected by Water Monkeys indicated a surprising lack of change in water consumption patterns. While only representing a small sample of city residents, they were not heeding the call to conserve. This stark reality exposed a troubling truth: human behaviour is often resistant to change, even in the face of crisis.
This finding has profound implications. It suggests that even the most dire circumstances may not be enough to motivate people to alter their water consumption habits. It also highlights the limitations of relying solely on voluntary compliance. While appeals for conservation are essential, they are clearly insufficient to guarantee the sustainable management of water resources.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to water management. It is time to move beyond mere appeals for conservation and implement concrete measures to reduce water consumption. Smart water meters, water control devices and water-efficient appliances should become the norm. And the role of smart water monitoring cannot be overstated. By leveraging data analytics, we can identify areas of high consumption, detect inefficiencies and leaks early, and optimize water distribution. This data-driven approach is essential for informed decision-making and effective water management.
Furthermore, governments, utilities, and building owners must invest in infrastructure upgrades to improve water distribution efficiency and minimize losses. This includes replacing aging pipes prone to leaks, implementing advanced leak detection systems, optimizing water pressure, and exploring alternative water sources. By bolstering our water infrastructure, we can significantly reduce water waste and ensure a more reliable supply for future generations.
We must also prioritize education and awareness to ensure a more resilient water future. Schools, communities, and businesses should incorporate water conservation into their core values. By fostering a culture of water stewardship, we can cultivate a generation that understands the importance of this precious resource.
The water crisis in Calgary serves as a wakeup call. It exposes the fragility of our water systems and the limitations of relying solely on voluntary compliance. We must combine technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, and behavioural change with building a more sustainable future. By working together, we can ensure that Calgary and other cities are better prepared to face the challenges of a water-scarce world.
The time for incremental steps is over. We need bold, decisive action to protect our most precious resource.
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