Montreal water system running on single main as three watermains shut for repairs

Montreal is operating on a single watermain in the Avenue Atwater area while emergency aqueduct repairs continue. The watermain beneath Avenue Atwater has been shut off following inspection and monitoring, and two other watermains in the same area are closed for reconstruction or reconditioning work.

The repairs come during the season of highest water consumption. On September 21, the city consumed 1.14 billion litres of water. Consumption remains stable, below thresholds requiring additional restrictions, with residents averaging approximately 306 litres per day.

The city and its boroughs have suspended continuous purging of conduits, preventive rinsing and cleaning of sewer pipes, non-essential watering, and decorative fountains. However, Montreal is maintaining all cooling facilities, including pools and play fountains, citing their essential role during summer months.

Residential use accounts for 65 per cent of water consumption, while commercial, industrial and institutional use makes up 35 per cent. Showers and baths represent 40 per cent of major water uses, toilets 24 per cent, and laundry 17 per cent.

The city says it will repair leaks in the aqueduct system as soon as possible. As of today, no completion timeline has been announced for the Avenue Atwater repairs or the reconstruction of the other two watermains.