The Bearspaw South Feeder Main is now being filled with water, a significant step in fully restoring water service for residents of Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding areas and lifting level four water restrictions.
"We have a significant amount of pipe to refill, and this stage will take three days and 22 million litres of water in total. This means that over the next few days, you'll notice that our water demand will increase by approximately seven million litres daily," said City of Calgary Capital Priorities and Investment Director Francois Bouchart.
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He underlined that the filling of the pipe will not impact the amount of potable water available for customers.
"The water we're using to refill the pipe will come from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and is over and above what we already provide to the rest of the water distribution system. Once the feeder main has been filled, we will perform testing to make sure water quality meets or exceeds all safety and quality standards."
The last step is expected to take approximately 24 hours.
"When we have confirmed that the water is safe, we will stabilize the system, including opening valves to reconnect the feeder main to the rest of the water distribution network. Once all these steps are complete, we will lift water restrictions."
Bouchary also noted that as the steps of filling the pipe are done, residents can expect to see city workers releasing water through community fire hydrants, adding that this is a necessary part of the process and will help the city manage pressure and improve water quality.
"We remain on track to lift water restrictions this weekend," he noted.
On Monday, water use increased slightly from the previous day to 492 million litres, putting Calgary in the 'yellow zone.'
"I want to remind you that until the feeder main has been reconnected to the rest of the system, it remains essential that we continue to reduce our water use. Stage Four outdoor water restrictions are still in effect, and we continue to ask you to take three simple steps indoors," Bouchart said.
Road re-openings and continued paving
- Most of 16th Avenue is open, while localized lane closures near 43 Street Northwest are required to accommodate bringing the water feeder main back into service and complete concrete curb work.
- Traffic flows freely along 16 Avenue, and access to local businesses from 16 Avenue has been restored.
- There is preparation for asphalt paving at site one after road gravelling and grading.
- Concrete curb and gutter work is nearing completion at sites two and three, and officials expect to reopen 33 Avenue Northwest, east of 83 Street, this afternoon.
- Site 5 at 33 Avenue Northwest at 86 Street is still being prepared for asphalt paving.
- 33 Avenue Northwest from 83rd Street to 87 Street is expected to reopen later this week.
Level four water restrictions in Airdrie mean that residents cannot:
- Water lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs cannot be done by any method other than rainwater.
- Wash any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways, unless your business requires it for health and safety reasons.
- Wash cars on driveways or streets.
- Fill outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.
- Use potable water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction, or dust control.
Residents are also strongly encouraged to follow indoor water conservation:
- Use dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Limit showers to five minutes or less and keep baths shallow.
- Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing food off.
- Turn off humidifiers and ice machines, delay washing vehicles,
- Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are asked to reduce water use.
- Businesses that use water to deliver a life-sustaining product or service for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include companies that must use water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.
According to a revised timeline by Calgary officials, water restrictions are expected to be lifted this weekend.
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