The City of Calgary has successfully refilled the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, and residents could soon see an end to the month-long water restrictions imposed due to necessary repairs. Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services, announced that water quality testing is underway, with hopes of restoring normal service within days, contingent on the results of these tests.
Repairs Completed, Testing Underway
After identifying critical issues in nine sections of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, the city undertook urgent repair work, which began on March 9. This vital infrastructure typically supplies around 60 per cent of Calgary’s water, but during the repairs, the city has relied heavily on the smaller Glenmore Reservoir to meet residents’ needs.
“We are now sampling and testing water to ensure it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements. This process takes time, and our teams are diligently working throughout today,” Thompson stated. If testing goes as planned, the city anticipates that the water restrictions could be lifted as soon as Thursday, April 2.
Resuming Water Flow and Addressing Potential Issues
Once the water quality is confirmed as safe, the city will proceed to open valves along the feeder main and restart the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. “If everything goes according to plan, we will be turning on the pumps tomorrow,” Thompson added. However, residents are advised that some cloudiness in tap water may occur as the system stabilises, a temporary situation expected to clear within 24 hours. “Rest assured, the water is safe to drink,” he assured.
As the pumps are activated, there is a possibility of renewed pressure on the ageing pipe, which could lead to further breaks. To prevent any potential flooding, temporary barriers have been installed in the Bowness and Montgomery communities, directing any excess water towards the Bow River.
Monitoring Water Use and Future Inspections
On a recent Sunday, Calgary’s total water consumption reached 500 million litres, of which 12 million litres were used to refill the feeder main. The city reports that the remaining water usage remains within sustainable limits, signalling responsible consumption amidst the restrictions.
Looking ahead, the city plans to employ a specialised mechanical tool, known as a pipe diver, for an internal inspection of the feeder main starting April 9. This procedure will require temporarily halting water flow to ensure safety and assess the condition of the pipe further. Following the inspection, additional tests will be conducted to confirm water safety before normal operations resume.
Why it Matters
The successful repair and potential restoration of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is crucial not only for the immediate relief of water restrictions but also for the long-term reliability of Calgary’s water supply. As the city balances infrastructure demands with environmental sustainability, the careful management of water resources exemplifies a commitment to both community needs and ecological responsibility. The situation underscores the importance of investing in critical infrastructure to ensure a resilient water supply for the future, safeguarding Calgary’s water for generations to come.
