Water main breaks left about 200 homes in Calgary without normal water service Monday night, according to the city’s website.
It said crews were called out to do emergency repairs in five neighbourhoods around the city.
Water main breaks become more common during cold snaps when frost goes deep into the ground and causes the breaks.
Water was shut off for about 40 homes in Mayland Heights in northeast Calgary early Saturday evening.
At that spot and in the others without normal water service, the city brought in water trucks where residents can obtain water.
“The first water truck was at the end of the block, so in these temperatures, it’s just really cold to go get your water,” Colette Bellefeuille said.
“It’s a pain in the butt doing certain things. I’m going back to my mom’s to take a shower.”
Some residents sympathize with the difficulties facing city workers as they try to complete repair jobs.
“They can’t dig because all the ground’s frozen, so it takes them an extra-long time to get everything cleared out. It takes forever,” Derek Kent said.
“And then them outside — you’ve got to feel for the guys actually doing the work because it’s frozen.”
Some residents believe being patient about the problem is the best way to handle it.