The City of Lethbridge says it is trying to be proactive with watermain breaks. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge trying to be proactive with watermain breaks

Nov 29, 2022 | 11:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Winter is unofficially underway in Southern Alberta, and with that, comes a greater risk of watermain breaks.

City of Lethbridge Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Jeff Koshuta says there is little that residents can do to prevent watermain breaks themselves, which is why it is important for the city to be proactive.

He explains that there are a few reasons why watermain breaks occur, including aging infrastructure, sudden changes to the soil temperature, and changes in pressure levels, and the colder winter weather.

The good news, says Koshuta, is that watermain breaks are happening less frequently these days.

So far in 2022, there have been 25 breaks, which is down from 35 in 2021 and 39 in 2020. He says the 10-year average is 48 breaks while the 20-year average is 57.

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“One of the reasons I feel that the watermain breaks have been decreasing is, the water utility does have a proactive asset management program where we try to replace approximately two kilometres of pipe every year,” says Koshuta.

He adds that the city generally knows which areas are more susceptible.

“Generally, we find it’s in the older areas of town that are, I would say, pre-1970 where the pipes are in the vintage of 50-80 years old. For the most part, they are cast iron,” says Koshuta.

When a watermain break occurs in Lethbridge or if you see water pooling in the street, residents are encouraged to phone 311 as soon as they can. That way, Koshuta says they can get their crews out sooner and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

The city provides temporary water trailers to ensure the impacted residents still have a supply of clean and safe drinking water.

by David Opinko