Calgary has recently reported water consumption reaching 501 million litres, exceeding the city’s advised limit of 500 million litres while the Bearspaw South Feeder Main undergoes critical repairs. City officials have labelled this increase as entering “the risky red zone,” urging residents to be mindful of their water usage during this period of infrastructure work.
Current Water Restrictions
The city implemented new water restrictions on March 9, coinciding with the shutdown of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which typically provides around 60 per cent of Calgary’s water supply. This system has faced two significant failures in less than two years, prompting urgent maintenance efforts. As the feeder main is temporarily out of service, the city is relying heavily on the smaller Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to deliver water not only to Calgary but also to neighbouring communities, including Airdrie, Chestermere, and the Tsuut’ina Nation.
Michael Thompson, Calgary’s general manager of infrastructure services, has expressed concerns regarding the increased water consumption, particularly after residents had managed to stay below the recommended threshold for two consecutive days. He emphasised the importance of conservation, stating, “We aim to save 25 litres of water per person each day,” encouraging simple actions like reducing the number of dishwasher and washing machine cycles, which can have a noticeable impact on daily consumption.
Ongoing Repairs and Future Plans
Repair efforts on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main are advancing, with key structural reinforcements already completed. Concrete work is currently underway, and the city has begun backfilling excavations around several segments of the pipe. Thompson further noted that the replacement of valves at the Shaganappi pump station is scheduled for completion this weekend, along with the refilling of one section of the feeder main, which will require approximately 5 million litres of water.
Additionally, significant construction will commence on March 24, with the establishment of a microtunneling shaft on 16th Avenue at 44th Street, expected to remain in place until project completion in December. Residents should prepare for potential traffic disruptions as work progresses.
The Path Ahead
The city anticipates that the current reinforcement work and water restrictions will remain in effect for about two more weeks, after which the feeder main should be operational again. In parallel, the city is moving forward with plans to replace the entire Bearspaw South Feeder Main with a durable steel pipe, slated for completion by the end of 2026.
This comprehensive approach aims to bolster Calgary’s water infrastructure and mitigate the risk of future failures.
Why it Matters
The situation in Calgary underscores the vital balance between infrastructure maintenance and resource conservation. As the city grapples with an increase in water usage amid repairs, the call for residents to conserve water becomes critical. Infrastructure investments, such as the ongoing upgrades to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability. The actions taken now not only affect current water availability but also set the stage for future resilience against climate-related challenges. As communities adapt to changing environmental conditions, responsible water usage will be paramount in safeguarding resources for all Calgarians.
