Imagine answering your door only to be met with a convincing scammer posing as a city official, eager to step inside your home under the guise of checking your water usage. This alarming scenario is exactly what the City of Calgary is warning residents about right now. As crews work tirelessly to repair a major watermain break that has left the city reeling since December 30, opportunists are exploiting the situation with a door-to-door scam that’s both cunning and dangerous. But here's where it gets controversial: while the city assures residents they are not sending employees to homes or businesses for water usage checks, some Calgarians might still be unsure how to distinguish a legitimate visit from a scam. And this is the part most people miss: the city has a clear protocol for any necessary home visits, which includes contacting homeowners by phone to schedule an appointment and ensuring all personnel arrive in marked vehicles with verifiable identification cards.
The crisis began when a new pipe was installed along the Bearspaw South Feeder Main on Friday, January 9, marking a significant step toward restoring water service. However, the process is far from over. Crews are gradually filling the pipe, and while the first phase is 75% complete, it will still take days before the system is fully operational. In the meantime, Calgary’s water usage remains a concern. On January 9, residents used 504 million litres of water—19 million litres above the city’s sustainable threshold of 485 million litres. This strain on the distribution system highlights the urgency of conservation efforts, with the city urging residents to limit flushing, keep showers to three minutes, and only run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
But here’s the twist: this isn’t the first time Calgary has faced water-related scams. During the 2024 water shortage, scammers posed as officials offering to test residents’ water or meters, spreading false information to gain access to homes. The city’s advice? If someone claims to be a city or ENMAX employee and asks to enter your home, don’t let them in. Instead, immediately call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Calgary police, while declining to comment on specific risks, confirmed they have not received any reports related to this scam—yet.
This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to educate the public about these scams, or are we leaving too many vulnerable to deception? Share your thoughts in the comments below. In the meantime, stay vigilant, conserve water, and remember: when in doubt, verify before you let anyone in.
