Montreal Urges Water Conservation Amid Major Infrastructure Repairs
Montreal officials have called for significant water conservation efforts due to ongoing repairs on a critical water main along Atwater Avenue. The advisory covers nearly the entire island, impacting approximately 1.2 million residents.
Claude Pinard, the president of the city’s executive committee, emphasized the need for a collective reduction in drinking water consumption. Pinard stressed the importance of cooperation from all Montreal metropolitan area residents and businesses.
Residents and establishments are urged to minimize watering outdoor plants, avoid leaving taps running, opt for quick showers over baths, and even turn off the water while brushing teeth. Pinard mentioned the possibility of implementing a complete watering ban if necessary.
The inspection of the key water distribution pipe beneath Atwater Avenue revealed a pressing need for immediate intervention to avert a potential rupture. The repair work will necessitate shutting down the pipe for several weeks, adding to the strain caused by two other offline water conduits in the network.
As the summer season approaches, which typically witnesses peak water demand, city officials anticipate heightened pressure on Montreal’s drinking water infrastructure. The city plans to eliminate non-essential water usage, including some park fountains, and suspend preventive sewer cleaning, pipe purging, and flow tests during fire hydrant inspections to focus on maintaining the water supply.
The goal is to reduce daily water consumption in the city by approximately 10%. The city warns of potential fines for non-compliance and emphasizes the preventive nature of the current measures.
Montreal’s situation reflects broader concerns in Quebec regarding aging water infrastructure. Municipal Affairs Minister Samuel Poulin highlighted the need for a reevaluation of drinking water use and pricing, citing successful water conservation through the installation of water meters in some municipalities.
Although discussions on expanding water pricing systems to support infrastructure repairs are ongoing, the Quebec government currently has no plans to mandate such systems. The maintenance deficit for municipal water infrastructure in Quebec was estimated to reach nearly $50 billion in 2025, prompting calls for increased funding to address critical infrastructure challenges.
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