The City of Calgary has announced significant progress in the repair of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, with plans to resume water delivery to residents within days. Following extensive repairs on nine critical sections of the pipeline, the city is currently conducting water quality tests to ensure compliance with safety regulations. If all goes according to plan, the longstanding water restrictions could be lifted as early as Thursday.
Testing Underway
Michael Thompson, Calgary’s General Manager of Infrastructure Services, confirmed that water sampling is ongoing. “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,” he stated. The feeder main, which ordinarily supplies approximately 60 per cent of Calgary’s water, was taken offline for repairs on March 9, forcing the city to depend on the smaller Glenmore Reservoir for its water supply.
The results of these tests will determine the timing for resuming normal water service. “Once testing shows that the water is safe, teams will coordinate the opening of valves along the pipe and begin to turn on the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. If everything goes as planned, we will turn on the pumps tomorrow,” Thompson added.
Infrastructure Improvements
In addition to the water system repairs, the city has begun resurfacing roads that were disrupted during the repair work on the feeder main. This dual focus on infrastructure aims not only to restore water service but also to improve the overall quality of the city’s roads. With the anticipated lifting of water restrictions, residents can expect some initial cloudiness in their tap water, a temporary condition that should clear within 24 hours. “This is temporary and will take about 24 hours to clear,” Thompson reassured. “The water is safe to drink.”
In anticipation of possible complications from increased water pressure, the city has proactively installed temporary barriers in the Bowness and Montgomery communities. These measures aim to mitigate potential flooding risks by directing excess water towards the nearby Bow River.
Sustainable Water Usage
Despite the challenges posed by the repairs, Calgary’s water consumption has remained within sustainable limits. On Sunday, the city recorded a total water use of 500 million litres, of which 12 million litres were allocated to refill the feeder main. This indicates that residents have adapted well to the ongoing restrictions without straining the water supply.
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 around April 9. This inspection will require a brief halt in water flow to drain additional water from the pipe, ensuring that all systems are functioning safely before full service is resumed.
Why it Matters
As Calgary approaches the end of its month-long water restrictions, the successful repair of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main not only restores a critical infrastructure component but also underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining reliable and safe water services. The proactive measures taken to protect communities from potential flooding demonstrate a comprehensive approach to urban management, balancing immediate needs with long-term environmental sustainability. As the city continues to grow, ensuring a resilient water supply will be essential for supporting both residents and the local economy.
