Calgary returns to water restrictions for feeder main repairs

City crews have shut down the Bearspaw South feeder main for repairs. The first batch of fixes is expected to last four weeks.

Residents in Calgary and surrounding areas are once again being asked to tighten the taps, as the city enters a month-long period of outdoor water restrictions to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which typically carries 60 per cent of the city’s water supply, was shut down Monday.

The closure allows crews to complete urgent reinforcements on nine vulnerable sections of the pipe: six located along 16th Avenue and three in the Point McKay Park area.

Stage 4 restrictions

Under Stage 4 restrictions, outdoor water use is prohibited.

The city is also urging a significant reduction in indoor consumption to ensure the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, currently running at maximum capacity, can meet the region’s needs.

The goal is to keep daily water consumption below 500 million litres.

“That means trying to limit your showers to no more than three minutes, flushing only when necessary, and running your dishwasher or washing machine only when they’re full,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

Community outreach and support

The city has opened a temporary information office inside the Bowness Community Association to maintain communication during the construction period.

John Acheson, with the city’s community integration services, said the centre is designed to help residents navigate the “challenging period.”

“Our team here is available to listen, answer questions and help connect people to services and supports they might need during this construction,” Acheson said.

Office Hours:

• Monday & Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Traffic restrictions

The following road closures and detours are in effect:

• Lane reductions are in place on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail interchange, with one lane open in each direction;
• The exit ramp from 16 Avenue N.W. onto Sarcee Trail and the exit off Sarcee Trail onto westbound 16 Avenue N.W. are both closed;
• 16 Avenue westbound remains open but changed lane patterns will cause traffic to move slowly;
• Drivers heading west on 16 Avenue N.W. are encouraged to plan ahead.

Long-term infrastructure outlook

The current repairs are intended to stabilize the feeder main until a new parallel steel pipe is completed by December.

But officials warn people should prepare for another round of restrictions in the fall when that new line is integrated into the system.

The ongoing upgrades carry a price tag of approximately $439 million.