Emergency officials in Calgary are still working to determine when water restrictions will be lifted following a feeder main break in the city’s water system. Calgary water services director Nancy Mackay, Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Emergency Management Agency chief Susan Henry provided updates on the situation on Sunday afternoon. Crews began removing the damaged section of pipe on Saturday, and once the repair is installed, the pipe will be flushed to ensure the water is safe to drink. Mackay stated that it is too early to say when the boil water advisory or restrictions will be lifted. The feeder main break occurred in the Montgomery neighbourhood of northwest Calgary, impacting the city’s ability to move water and triggering a boil-water advisory for Bowness residents.
The water supply concerns have led to a boil water advisory for Bowness residents and a water supply alert for Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere. Water wagons have been set up in Bowness to support residents, while residents in other areas are asked to conserve water. Officials have described the feeder main as a critical water line, and the damage has severely impacted the city’s ability to move water. Mayor Gondek emphasized the importance of water conservation to prevent running out of water until the infrastructure is fixed. There are concerns about reservoir levels reaching a critical point, which could result in further water use restrictions to ensure water is available for firefighting efforts.
The repair process for the damaged feeder main involves cutting out the broken section, installing a steel replacement piece, and welding it to the existing concrete pipe. The size of the feeder main presents a significant challenge, with the repair expected to take at least five to seven days to complete. The feeder main was originally expected to last 100 years, but the city has only reached the 50-year mark. While the city is currently relying on water from the South Glenmore Treatment Plant, they cannot refill reservoirs normally filled by Bearspaw due to the broken feeder main. Calgarians have been advised to minimize water use both indoors and outdoors, adopting water-saving techniques like navy showers.
Efforts to reduce water usage in Calgary include recommendations to turn off water taps while performing daily tasks, using dishwashers and washing machines for full loads only, and collecting rainwater whenever possible. Bylaw officers have responded to calls for water misuse, but minimal enforcement action has been taken. The city is also taking steps to reduce water usage in facilities like leisure centers and arenas. Communication with the public has been acknowledged as an area for improvement, with plans to provide daily updates from Mayor Gondek and emergency officials until the situation is resolved. Efforts to improve communication with the public are underway to ensure residents are informed about the ongoing water restrictions and the repair process for the damaged feeder main.
