In a city-wide crisis, scammers find opportunity. The City of Calgary is issuing a warning to residents about a door-to-door scam, taking advantage of the recent water main break that has left the city struggling. But here's the twist: these scammers are posing as city employees, a bold move that could easily deceive many.
The city is working tirelessly to repair the watermain break, with a new pipe installed on January 9th, 2026, along the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. Despite these efforts, water usage remains high, with Calgarians using 504 million litres on Friday, exceeding the sustainable threshold of 485 million litres. The city is urging residents to conserve water, but scammers have found a way to exploit the situation.
Scammers are knocking on doors, claiming to be city or ENMAX employees, and requesting entry to check water usage. This is a red flag, as the city confirms that they are not conducting door-to-door water usage checks. Officials are advising residents to refuse entry to anyone making such requests, even if they present themselves as city workers.
And this is where it gets tricky: scammers are known for their cunning tactics, and this situation is no exception. They may show up in what appears to be a City of Calgary vehicle and carry fake identification cards. The city assures residents that their employees always follow a standard procedure, contacting homeowners by phone to schedule appointments if access to homes is required.
This isn't the first time the city has faced water-related scams. During the 2024 water shortage, a similar scam involved individuals providing false information and requesting access to test residents' water and water meters. The city's vigilance in warning residents about these scams is commendable, but it also raises questions about the prevalence of such deceptive practices.
The city's advice is clear: if someone shows up at your door with these requests, immediately contact the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Don't fall for their tricks, and help keep your community safe.
As the city works to restore water services, Calgarians are encouraged to continue conserving water. Simple measures like flushing only when necessary, limiting showers to three minutes, and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads can make a significant difference.
Stay vigilant, Calgary! Scammers may be opportunistic, but with awareness and caution, we can protect our homes and our city's resources.
