Update August 31: Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs

Yesterday’s water demand was 492 million litres, which is up from 487 million litres on Thursday. This is far lower than normal usage levels, and that shows that many Calgarians are doing the right things to reduce water consumption.

If we continue using more than 450 million liters of water per day, we risk running out of drinking water while we are making urgent repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main over the next few weeks. We appreciate everyone who has stopped using potable water outdoors, and are shortening showers, skipping flushes, and taking other steps to save water at home. And we thank the many businesses who are taking measures to cut down on their water use.

Unfortunately, we continue to see outdoor watering at residences and commercial properties, which is not allowed under Stage 4 Outdoor Watering Restrictions.

As of this morning, we have received 347 reports of water misuse this week. This includes 230 at homes and multi-family buildings, and 67 at businesses. Bylaw officers are working through the weekend to follow up on these complaints, and will be issuing $3,000 fines where warranted.

Construction progress

Work on the feeder main is continuing around the clock through the weekend, as we strive to complete the repairs and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible. We remain on schedule.

This weekend we are making progress at sites along 33 Avenue N.W. and at Shouldice Park, and preparing for work at additional sites that will begin next week.

At Sites 1-4 along 33 Avenue Northwest and Shouldice Park, we have started construction activity on two more pipe segments bringing the total to 11.

Excavation is complete at two repair segments.

This weekend we expect to start installation of rebar and form work for concrete pouring. All excavations for these first four sites are estimated to be complete by Sept. 3.

Crews are preparing to start construction on sites 6-8 along 16th Avenue. Starting Sept. 5, 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed from 46 Street N.W. to the Bowness Road interchange, with traffic being detoured onto Bowness Road. Bowness Road will be fully open in both directions, with direct access to 16 Avenue and businesses.

Our team has designed a traffic plan that keeps the majority of business driveways open, enables parking, and provides clear direction for customers looking to visit establishments.

Free short-term parking is available throughout the community, and we encourage Calgarians to support local during this time. Bowness and Montgomery are open for business.

Teams are finalizing plans for the final site location, Site 5, on 33 Avenue Northwest.

We are in direct contact with impacted residents in that area.

Construction activities will start with saw cutting and the staging of fencing after the long weekend.

More details will be shared with those directly impacted as soon as they are available.