The city of Calgary in western Canada ordered strict water rationing for its 1.4 million residents for an unspecified period after a "major water pipe" broke, yesterday, Friday.

Residents received an "emergency notification regarding water supply" on their mobile phones early in the morning, stating that water levels "are in a critical situation," affecting the city's ability to supply water to residents and its preparedness in case of a fire, according to the French news agency.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek urged households and businesses to conserve water, recommending "not to shower or wash dishes or clothes" until the issue is resolved.

In the neighborhood where the water pipe broke, vehicles navigated through a large amount of water that flooded the streets, while residents were instructed to boil water for drinking or brushing their teeth.

Calgary's emergency management agency director, Sue Henry, stated during a press conference that "every drop of water is important until the pipe is repaired. All residents must cooperate in this regard."

The city authorities indicated that the cause of the pipe break remains unknown, noting the existing difficulty in filling the city's water reserves, and explained that repairing the pipe could take "a long time."

The province of Alberta is currently facing a severe drought, but the Bow River, from which Calgary sources its water, has seen improved conditions this spring, according to officials.