The City of Calgary is on the verge of restoring its primary water supply as the Bearspaw South Feeder Main has been successfully refilled. After an extensive repair operation on nine critical sections of the pipeline, the city anticipates that water delivery to residents’ homes could resume within days. Michael Thompson, the general manager of infrastructure services, confirmed that water sampling and testing are currently underway to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Water Testing Underway
Following the completion of repairs, the city has commenced rigorous testing of the water quality. “We are now sampling and testing water to make sure it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements. These tests take time and this work is continuing throughout today,” stated Thompson. If the testing yields positive results, the city plans to open valves along the feeder main and activate the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. “If everything goes as planned, we will turn on the pumps tomorrow,” he added.
The Bearspaw South Feeder Main is crucial for Calgary, typically supplying approximately 60 per cent of the city’s water. However, since the outage began on March 9, residents have relied on the Glenmore Reservoir, which has a significantly smaller capacity, to meet their water needs.
Lifting Water Restrictions
Thompson expressed optimism that the month-long water restrictions imposed during the repairs could potentially be lifted by Thursday, April 2nd. Once the pumps are operational and water flows through the feeder main again, residents may notice some initial cloudiness in their tap water. “This is temporary and will take around 24 hours to clear,” reassured Thompson, emphasising that the water remains safe for consumption.
As the increased pressure from the reopened feeder main poses a risk of further breaks, the city has taken proactive measures. Temporary barriers have been installed in Bowness and Montgomery to mitigate the risk of flooding and to direct any excess water into the nearby Bow River.
Future Inspections Planned
Looking ahead, Calgary plans to utilise a specialised mechanical tool known as a pipe diver for an internal inspection of the feeder main starting around April 9. This inspection will require a brief halt in water flow to allow city crews to drain the pipeline, remove the tool, and conduct further safety tests.
On Sunday, the city’s total water use stood at 500 million litres, with 12 million litres allocated for refilling the feeder main. Remarkably, the overall consumption by Calgarians remains within sustainable limits, showcasing the community’s cooperative efforts during this challenging period.
Why it Matters
The successful repair and impending restoration of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main are of paramount importance not only for the residents of Calgary but also for the region’s infrastructure resilience. This event underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining a reliable water supply while navigating the complexities of environmental sustainability. As Calgary moves forward, the careful balance between infrastructure needs and environmental stewardship will be critical in ensuring the city’s long-term water security.
