Calgary officials warn of water scam going around the city

The City of Calgary is warning residents of a water services scam Friday amid the ongoing water situation in the city.

Officials say there have been several reports of people going door-to-door either representing a home service company of some kind or claiming to be from the city.

They go on to say those individuals are providing false or misleading information and asking to test a resident’s water and/or their water meter.

“This is a scam and is NOT endorsed by the City of Calgary. The City of Calgary does not go door to door asking to test residents’ water,” a notice reads.

The city says if anyone comes to your home and says they are with ENMAX or with water services to not give them access to your home and call police at 403-266-1234 immediately.

In addition, officials say it’s standard practice to contact the homeowner by phone to make an appointment if access to their home is needed.

Officials also say all City of Calgary employees carry photograph identification cards to identify themselves.

As a form of caution, the city has a list of things to keep in mind if you should encounter these individuals.

• Any agent (sales person) for a business soliciting “door to door” must have in his/her possession an identification card, which clearly identifies the following:
• agent’s (sales person’s) name,
• the business name, address and phone number,
• the business licence number and
• the expiry date of the business licence
• The identification card referred to above must be visible at all times while the business is being carried on and must also present the card immediately on request of a prospective customer or a Licence Inspector.
• These types of businesses are not permitted to solicit at any dwelling unit between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Officials announced last week the city would move back to Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions on Aug. 26, the day the feeder main will be turned off after more trouble spots were found by a pipe diver device.

Restrictions are expected to last until Sept. 23 to give workers the chance to make necessary repairs.

Non-potable water stations will once again be set up along the river for people to use when the tighter restrictions take effect, according to officials.

More information on Calgary’s drinking water can be found online or by calling 311.