In a significant development for residents of Calgary, the city has announced that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, critical for water supply, has been successfully refilled and could resume service within days. This comes after extensive repairs were conducted on nine sections of the pipeline, which were identified as urgently needing attention. Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services for Calgary, confirmed that sampling and testing of the water are now underway to ensure it meets or exceeds safety standards.
Testing Phase Underway
Thompson indicated that the water testing process is ongoing and requires time to complete. “These tests take time, and this work is continuing throughout today,” he stated. If testing results are favourable, the city plans to reopen valves and activate the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant imminently. “If everything goes as planned, we will turn on the pumps tomorrow,” he added.
This feeder main typically supplies approximately 60 per cent of the city’s water needs. It was taken offline for repairs on March 9, leading to a reliance on the smaller Glenmore Reservoir for the majority of Calgary’s water supply during this period. As repairs progressed, the city began work on repaving roads that had been disrupted for the necessary pipeline upgrades.
Lifting of Water Restrictions
Should all operations proceed without complications, residents may see the lifting of the month-long water restrictions as early as Thursday, April 2. The city has assured citizens that any initial cloudy water resulting from the reactivation of the feeder main is expected to clear within 24 hours and remains safe for consumption. “This is temporary and will take about 24 hours to clear,” Thompson reassured the public.
However, the city has also cautioned that there is a possibility of additional breaks due to the increased pressure in the pipeline once the water flow resumes. To mitigate potential flooding in the Bowness and Montgomery areas, temporary barriers have been established to direct any excess water toward the Bow River, safeguarding homes and businesses nearby.
Water Usage and Future Inspections
On Sunday, Calgary’s total water consumption reached 500 million litres, with 12 million litres allocated to refilling the feeder main. This indicates that residential and commercial water usage remains within sustainable limits, a relief for both local authorities and residents alike.
Looking ahead, the city plans to employ a specialised tool known as a pipe diver beginning April 9 to conduct an internal inspection of the pipeline as it exits the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. Following this evaluation, the flow of water will once again need to be briefly halted to facilitate drainage and further testing to ensure safety.
Why it Matters
The successful repair and potential return to normal water service represents a crucial step for Calgary, reflecting the city’s commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure while prioritising safety and environmental sustainability. As communities adjust to the lifting of restrictions, the careful management of water resources becomes ever more vital, underscoring the balance between urban development and ecological stewardship.
