MONTREAL - The city of Montreal is asking residents to reduce their water consumption over the next few weeks as it carries out emergency repairs to its aqueduct network.
In a news release, the city said three of its major conduits need to be shut off for several weeks as work is carried out.
The move comes as Montreal's festival season is about to kick off, when water use is at its highest.
Residents are advised to comply with drinking water use bylaws, reduce lawn watering, avoid using water for outdoor cleaning, and modify their daily habits to reduce their drinking water consumption.
The city will suspend or limit pipe and sewer flushing, fire hydrant flow tests, street washing and some decorative fountains.
Alan DeSouza, member of the city's executive committee responsible for infrastructure, says Montreal has to take preventive steps to avoid water main breaks like the one downtown in 2024 that flooded part of a neighbourhood.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.
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