Watermain breaks happen when a pipe has a leak or breaks, affecting the water service to our homes and businesses. They may affect water pressure, or cause pooling of water in our streets and neighbourhoods. They are caused by various factors, including natural causes such as the age of pipes, temperatures, and materials.

On average, the City of Lethbridge repairs between 50 and 100 watermain breaks each year. Each break offers unique challenges, so we follow a specific process so there is minimal disruption to residents and businesses while ensuring access to safe, clean drinking water.

Our residents are our eyes and ears in the community. If you see water pooling on the streets or have a loss of water pressure in your home, please call 311.

We can investigate and help you come up with solutions. Watch the sewer problems video for more information.

What does a water meter do?

Water meters are an important part of your home's water supply and increase your control over your water bill. A properly working meter records the amount of water supplied to your home or business ensuring you only pay for the water you use. Water meters measure and record the amount of water supplied to a home or business. 

Where is my water meter located? 

A water meter is located just above the main water shut-off valve in your home. This is usually in the basement and is located on a pipe that comes out of your basement floor.

Call 311 if you have any questions about your water meter.

If you notice a City crew operating a fire hydrant, flushing water down the street, they are actually cleaning the watermains in the area. Regular flushing is an important component of a comprehensive water management program. The City of Lethbridge is responsible for maintaining and operating 570 km of watermains and more pipe is added each year. Flushing the mains using water under pressure cleans out these pipes, along with the rest of the system. Flushing is generally done between April and October.

When winter temperatures hit extreme lows, the City of Lethbridge reminds residents to take extra measures to protect their home and prevent water pipes from freezing. Find more information on frozen water lines.

Lead service lines were only used for a short time, before 1955 when copper was not readily available. The City of Lethbridge's data shows that it is uncommon to find a property or business built after 1955 that has lead service lines. Water provided by the City of Lethbridge contains very low levels of lead. Tests of our drinking water have consistently shown lead levels of less than 0.2 parts per billion, only 4% of the 5 parts per billion maximum acceptable limit.

Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) both say there is no risk to your health if your drink water containing asbestos fibres.

Water travels through all kinds of pipes to get to any particular service, which could include asbestos pipes. In 2022, we tested the water in our system and found no asbestos fibres in the water. Lethbridge has 177 kilometers of asbestos-cement pipe, which represents 29% of the total system.

The City is committed to the safe handling of asbestos materials and the practical removal of asbestos-cement pipe at every opportunity and per the lifecycle program.

Background

Asbestos-Cement (A/C or Transite™) pipe was introduced in North America around 1930 and is made of asbestos fibers, silica sand, and Portland cement. The City of Lethbridge used A/C pipe quite extensively within the thirty years of 1950 - 1980.   The City of Lethbridge crews that work on A/C pipes follow many safe work practices in this regard. A/C pipe is rarely installed anywhere in North America today, primarily due to the fear of working with asbestos and because PVC pipe has replaced it as an inexpensive, lightweight piping material.

Health Canada and WHO have concluded there is no risk that asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health.

The City of Lethbridge gets all of its water from the Oldman River. A river is considered a surface water supply. Lethbridge do​es not use groundwater from wells. Our Water Treatment Plant processes river water into safe, healthy drinking water. Find out more about the Water Treatment Plant in Lethbridge.

The water we use in our houses and businesses goes to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This water is cleaned and discharged back to the Oldman River. Find out more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lethbridge.