Water usage in the City of Calgary is down as work is being done on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
On Tuesday (Aug. 27), the day after work began, city officials gave an update urging residents to stop outdoor water use. According to the city, Monday saw 533 million litres being used, well above their daily target of 450 million litres.
However, during a follow-up on Wednesday, the city announced that water use in Calgary has dropped to 497 million litres.
"While this is still above our daily target, it is encouraging to see that more people are taking the needed steps to reduce their water use," wrote the city on its website.
The city had turned off the Bearspaw South Feeder Main on Tuesday and began draining it, with three sections of pipe exposed at two repair sites. The city claims their focus over the next two weeks is on the work sites along 33 Avenue N.W. and Shouldice Park.
"We'll be keeping a close eye on our water usage and system performance and are working around the clock to complete the repairs as quickly and safely as possible," wrote the city.
The city is now relying on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant but warns that exceeding its daily water usage target may run the risk of the city running out of water. Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions have been issued, which prohibits all outdoor water use.
Residents are also being asked to limit indoor water use by running laundry and dishwashers only when full, flushing toilets only when necessary, and limiting showers to three minutes or less.
The City of Chestermere and the Town of Strathmore have followed Calgary's lead, as both municipalities get their water from the city.
According to the City of Calgary, a $3,000 fine will be given to anyone watering outside.
