Calgary’s water consumption has surged past the city’s sustainable limit, reaching 501 million litres on Wednesday, just slightly above the 500 million-litre threshold deemed safe while repairs are underway on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. City officials are raising alarms about this spike, designating any usage above the recommended figure as part of the “risky red zone,” and are calling on residents to be more mindful of their water usage during these critical times.
Current Water Usage Concerns
The recent uptick in water usage comes after two days of consumption that fell below the recommended level. Since March 9, when the feeder main—responsible for supplying around 60% of Calgary’s water—was shut down for essential repairs due to two significant failures in less than two years, the city has been relying on the smaller Glenmore water treatment plant. This facility has been tasked with servicing not just Calgary, but also neighbouring communities such as Airdrie, Chestermere, and the Tsuut’ina Nation.
The repairs to the existing feeder main are concurrently being implemented with plans for a complete replacement, which will see a new steel pipe installed by the end of 2026. This overhaul is essential for ensuring long-term water reliability for the city and its surrounding areas.
City Officials Call for Action
Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services, has reiterated the importance of water conservation, particularly during this repair period. “We aim to save 25 litres of water per person each day,” Thompson stated during an update on the situation. He emphasised that even minor adjustments, such as reducing dishwasher and washing machine cycles, can collectively help meet this conservation goal.
Thompson provided an update on the progress of the repairs, noting that rebar reinforcement of weakened sections has been completed, and that concrete pouring is now underway. Work to replace valves at the Shaganappi pump station is also expected to be finished this weekend, with plans to refill part of the feeder main requiring an additional five million litres of water.
Construction and Traffic Impacts
Construction activities are set to ramp up, with the city planning to begin work on the final microtunneling shaft on 16th Avenue at 44th Street starting March 24. This area will see a designated work zone established in the parking lot on the south side of 16th Avenue, and residents are advised to prepare for temporary traffic disruptions related to this construction, which is slated to continue until December.
The ongoing reinforcement efforts and water restrictions are expected to remain in place for another two weeks, after which the feeder main should be back in service. The entire replacement project is anticipated to wrap up in December as well, marking a significant upgrade to Calgary’s water infrastructure.
Why it Matters
The situation underscores a critical juncture for Calgary’s water management strategy. As the city grapples with the challenges of maintaining a reliable water supply, the need for residents to actively participate in conservation efforts has never been more vital. The combination of ongoing repairs and a heightened demand for water highlights the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring that Calgary’s water resources remain robust for all its inhabitants. By taking collective action now, residents can help safeguard their water supply and contribute to the long-term resilience of the community’s infrastructure.
