Crews are still working to fix a significant water main break and five other vulnerable areas in Calgary on Saturday, June 22, 2024. City officials have found a solution to reduce the pressure on the water system while the pipe is once again shut down for repairs. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Calgary officials have devised a strategy to manage the city's water supply more effectively while crucial repairs are underway on a major pipeline. The Bearspaw South Feeder Main, located in the city’s northwest, has been shut down for repairs for the second time this year, and the city has implemented water restrictions as a result.
Michael Thompson from the Infrastructure Services department announced that adjustments to water pumps have allowed Calgary to sustain daily water use of up to 485 million litres during the month-long pipeline outage. This is an improvement from the previous target of 450 million litres, but it remains significantly below the typical daily consumption of 600 million litres. Since the restrictions began on August 26, Calgary’s average daily water usage has been around 495 million litres, pushing the city’s water management system to its limits.
Thompson emphasized that while the new configuration of the pumps offers some relief, residents must continue conserving water. The city has requested that citizens cut down on outdoor watering, showers, toilet flushes, laundry, and dishwashing to ease the strain on the system.
Enforcement measures have also been stepped up. During the long weekend, bylaw officers issued five tickets, each carrying a $3,000 fine, to individuals who violated the water restrictions. In addition, 755 complaints have been lodged against homes and businesses since the new rules took effect.
“While we’re able to move more water with our new setup, it’s vital that we reduce overall water use to sustainable levels,” Thompson said during a press conference on Tuesday. He also highlighted the potential risks of exceeding the 485-million-litre threshold, noting that at such levels, the city struggles to replenish underground water storage tanks. Unanticipated surges in water demand could exacerbate the situation, making it difficult to perform essential maintenance on the pumps.
On Monday, Calgarians used 505 million litres of water, which Thompson warned is unsustainable. He explained that the city cannot refill its underground storage tanks when consumption exceeds 500 million litres per day, putting neighbourhoods at risk of running out of water. Until repairs on the 10-kilometer Bearspaw South Feeder Main are complete, maintaining water conservation is critical to avoid another water shortage.
Thompson urged residents to continue reducing their water usage, stressing the importance of collective action to ensure that the city’s water supply can meet the demands of the ongoing repair work.
