Cochrane treading water in fight to get leaks stopped and water restored

After a series of grim news conferences throughout the week, the Town of Cochrane sounded guardedly optimistic Wednesday that they were making progress in efforts to repair the sewage leak that prompted a declaration of a State of Local Emergency (SOLE).

The good news was they had located the source of the leak in the previous 24 hours, and now have a plan to fix it.

“We know where the break is, we know what the issue is and we know how to fix it,” Mayor Jeff Genung said.

The bad news is now the repair team (Town employees and the private contractor) has to install valves to allow them to shut the water off before they can go in and actually repair the damage.

Deputy director of emergency management Shawn Polley said residents should expect to see work teams and heavy equipment in various locations around town in the coming days, as well as some more road closures.

So to sum up: some progress has been made, but there’s a lot of work left and some sacrifice still to come.

Put differently, the town is treading water.

Mayor Jeff Genung expressed gratitude to Cochrane businesses and residents for the way they’ve stepped up in the emergency, especially in the last couple of days, with the more stringent conservation measures requested by the Town.

“Residents have made significant water reduction efforts. That’s helping – we’re seeing net gains in capacity,” Genung said.

Cochrane Administration has not asked any businesses to close their doors, but two car washes and some businesses have voluntarily closed, with some posting signs they’re doing so as a show of support for the Town as the water supply dwindles.

The SLS Centre announced they will remain closed through Thursday.

Polley singled out A&W, Tim Hortons, the Chinese Wok, Boston Pizza, Dairy Queen, Days Inn and Suites, Bow River Inn, Super 8, Cochrane GM, and the Esso and 7-11 on Westside Drive for particular kudos for their cooperation.

“We are certainly not out of the woods yet, and conservation efforts remain crucial,” Polley said.

Town of Cochrane CAO Mike Derricott softened some of the messaging around the restrictions, saying that some dishwashing and doing limited laundry is understandable, and he urged people to take “quick showers.”

Emergency water restrictions remain in place, which include:

Outdoor water use is prohibited Water pressure will be reduced as required, and bulk water sales will not be permitted.

Prioritize water use to drinking water and basic hygiene. Refrain from using water to shower or bathe, do laundry or wash dishes.

Educate family members: Ensure that all members of the household are aware of the current situation and are following the conservation guidelines.