Water service was fully restored to all homes and businesses in Olds, Alberta, on June 11, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m., after repairs disrupted the supply. The Town of Olds confirmed that residents can now use water normally again.
The interruption came as the town continues to deal with aging pipes and underground infrastructure. Olds maintains over 220 kilometres of water and wastewater lines, and the community has seen regular breaks and leaks. In 2024 alone, crews repaired 24 water line breaks. Water loss from leaks and other issues has cost the town roughly $450,000 each year.
The water comes from the Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission, which runs the Anthony Henday Water Treatment Plant near Innisfail and serves about 30,000 people in six communities.
The Town of Olds has been putting more money into fixing the problem. The 2026 budget sets aside $800,000 to renew aging underground infrastructure along 57 Avenue, a project that started in May and is expected to wrap up by September. Another $1 million is going toward the water loss and inflow and infiltration program, which includes things like water meter replacements and relining sanitary mains.
That spending is starting to show results. According to the town’s data, water loss dropped from 28.12 per cent in 2024 to 19.82 per cent in 2025. Monthly numbers improved even more in 2025, falling from 30.43 per cent in January to 10.57 per cent by December.
Thursday’s disruption is not the first time repairs have affected service. On June 30, 2025, a water main repair led to significant problems across the system, and the town had to issue Level 3 Water Restrictions, banning things like lawn watering and car washing until crews finished the work.
The town is also working on the 57 Avenue Infrastructure Replacement project, which is addressing a collapsing sanitary sewer and other failing underground infrastructure. Work is on track to finish by September 2026.
The Town of Olds has two water reservoirs—one with 2,000,000 gallons and another with 500,000 gallons—and pump houses that help keep the system running. Officials continue to look for ways to cut water loss and reduce the number of emergency repairs.
