Calgary’s water consumption has recently surged, with residents utilising 501 million litres on Wednesday, slightly surpassing the city’s sustainable limit of 500 million litres. This uptick in usage comes in the wake of ongoing repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which has been shut down, prompting city officials to label any excess consumption as entering the “risky red zone”, signalling a need for cautious water management.
Ongoing Repairs and Water Restrictions
The latest restrictions took effect on March 9, following the closure of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. This critical infrastructure typically provides around 60 per cent of Calgary’s water supply. The shutdown is a response to two significant failures of the main within the last two years, necessitating urgent repairs to several weakened concrete sections. During this period, Calgary has been reliant on the smaller Glenmore water treatment plant, which also serves surrounding communities such as Airdrie, Chestermere, and the Tsuut’ina Nation.
As city crews work to reinforce the damaged areas, there are plans in place for a complete replacement of the feeder main with a new steel pipe, expected to be finalised by the end of 2026.
Call for Conservation
In light of the increased water usage, Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services, has reiterated the importance of conserving water. During a recent update, he urged Calgarians to aim for a reduction of 25 litres per person per day. “Dishwashers consume approximately 28 litres per cycle, and a front-load washing machine uses 62 litres,” Thompson noted. “By reducing just one cycle per day, residents can easily achieve or surpass their daily conservation target.”
The ongoing reinforcement efforts have seen the completion of rebar work, with concrete pouring now underway. Thompson also announced that the replacement of valves at the Shaganappi pump station is set to be completed this weekend, with refilling of one section of the feeder main expected to require about 5 million litres of water.
Construction and Traffic Considerations
Beginning March 24, the city will initiate construction on the final microtunnelling shaft at the intersection of 16th Avenue and 44th Street. This work will necessitate the establishment of a construction zone in the parking lot on the south side of 16th Avenue, which will remain in place until December. Residents can expect some traffic disruptions as a result of these activities.
The reinforcement work, alongside the current water restrictions, is projected to continue for another two weeks before the feeder main can be reactivated. Simultaneously, the city will pursue the complete replacement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, with expectations for that project to be completed by December.
Why it Matters
The current situation underscores the delicate balance between urban infrastructure demands and sustainable water management in Calgary. With the city grappling with an ageing water supply system, the need for conservation becomes increasingly critical. Residents’ cooperation in limiting their water use during this repair period not only supports immediate infrastructure needs but also plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable water resources for the future. As Calgary navigates these challenges, the community’s response will be crucial in fostering resilience and environmental stewardship.
