Calgary’s water consumption has surged past the city’s sustainable limit, with residents utilising 501 million litres on Wednesday. This figure exceeds the advised threshold of 500 million litres, prompting city officials to label this level of usage as entering the “risky red zone.” The spike in water use comes during a critical period when the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is undergoing repairs, which have restricted the city’s water supply.
Current Water Supply Challenges
The city’s water restrictions, introduced on March 9, stem from the ongoing shutdown of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which typically accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Calgary’s water supply. This shutdown follows two significant failures in the past two years, necessitating urgent repairs. In the interim, the Glenmore water treatment plant has taken over the responsibility of supplying water not only to Calgary but also to nearby communities, including Airdrie and Chestermere, as well as the Tsuut’ina Nation.
These repairs involve strengthening several compromised sections of the existing feeder main while simultaneously planning for a complete replacement with a new steel pipe slated for completion by the end of 2026.
Call for Conservation
In light of the increased water demand, Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services, has reiterated the urgency for residents to conserve water. During a recent update, he stated, “We aim to save 25 litres of water per person each day.” He highlighted that reducing a single cycle of dishwashing or laundry could significantly contribute to this goal, given that dishwashers consume about 28 litres per load, while front-loading washing machines utilise around 62 litres.
Thompson also provided an update on the progress of the repairs, noting that rebar reinforcement work is complete, and concrete pours are currently underway. The project has reached a stage where backfilling around certain pipe sections has begun. Additionally, he announced that valve replacements at the Shaganappi pump station would be finalised over the weekend, with plans to refill one section of the feeder main—a process that will require approximately 5 million litres of water.
Upcoming Construction Plans
Construction is set to intensify soon, with work commencing on March 24 for the final microtunnelling shaft located on 16th Avenue at 44th Street. This construction will create a work area in the parking lot south of 16th Avenue, with expected traffic disruptions until the project’s completion in December. The reinforcement efforts, coupled with the ongoing water restrictions, are projected to last another fortnight before the feeder main can be reactivated.
The city is managing these critical upgrades while maintaining essential water services to its residents and surrounding areas.
Why it Matters
The current situation underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure demands and environmental sustainability. Exceeding the recommended water usage during repairs highlights the community’s reliance on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main and the urgent need for upgrades to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply. As Calgary continues to grow, the city faces the challenge of maintaining its water resources while fostering responsible consumption habits among residents. The outcome of these repairs and the community’s response could have lasting implications for water management in the region, particularly as climate change poses increasing pressure on water systems worldwide.
