Emergency aqueduct repair work: current status and recommendations

Last updated June 11, 2026
Reading time: 2 min

Emergency repairs are required this summer. To relieve pressure on the city’s aqueduct and to avoid complications, Montréal is taking several measures and is requesting a collective effort from residents, industrial facilities, businesses and institutions to reduce drinking water consumption.

Following the inspection and monitoring of a watermain located beneath Avenue Atwater, Montréal has shut off the watermain. 

This additional closure occurs at a time when 2 other watermains located in the same area are also closed for reconstruction or reconditioning work. 

As a result, a single watermain remains in commission in the area, which generates high demand on drinking water infrastructures during time when water consumption is at its highest of the year.

Affected areas 

While certain areas are more impacted than others, this situation requires the cooperation of the entire urban agglomeration of Montréal, which includes boroughs and reconstituted municipalities.

Status of water consumption in Montréal

Tips and recommendations to reduce household water consumption

In Montréal, every resident consumes approximately 306 litres of water per day. Proportionally, 65% of water consumption is residential, while 35% is consumed for commercial, industrial or institutional purposes. 

The main uses requiring large quantities of water are: showers and baths 40%, toilets 24%, laundry 17%. 

To reduce your consumption, here are some actions to take at home: 

  • Limit daytime watering, in accordance with regulations in effect 
  • Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater
  • Cover your pool to reduce evaporation
  • Keep a pitcher of cool drinking water in the fridge, rather than letting tap water run 
  • Wash dishes using a sink stopper, rather than running water 

Get additional advice to reduce water consumption. 

Every small gesture can become a good habit for you to make a difference for Montréal’s drinking water distribution system.

What is the city doing to reduce its water consumption? 

The city and its boroughs will be suspending the following operations: 

  • Continuous purging of its conduits 
  • Preventive rinsing and cleaning of sewer pipes 
  • Non-essential watering 
  • Decorative fountains 

Montréal will also repair, as soon as possible, any leaks that may occur in its aqueduct system, to avoid water waste. 

The city is maintaining operations for all of its cooling facilities, including pools, play fountains, etc. Access to these facilities is essential during the summer months.

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