City continues to monitor water supply and demand through heat wave

The City continues to make progress on stabilizing the water distribution system following the Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs, but more time is needed before reducing Stage 3 Outdoor Water Restrictions.

“This continues to be a matter of supply and demand,” says Ryan Kidd, Deputy Director of Water Services. “So far, the pipe is handling the increased pressure, but we cannot yet supply enough water to lower Outdoor Water Restrictions more than we have so far.”

Supply and demand closely monitored through heat wave

As expected, water demand has been gradually increasing as indoor water use returned to normal and with the move to Stage 3 Outdoor Watering Restrictions on Saturday.

On Monday, July 8, there were 540 million litres of water used, an increase from 507 million litres used the day before. This is expected to increase as the temperature rises, which is a normal pattern during extreme heat.

Currently, the feeder main is operating at 55 per cent of its normal capacity, which means that water supply remains limited.

“We’re watching demand over the next few days, and we expect it to rise as the weather warms up,” says Kidd. “We are confident we can meet the increased demand with the current restrictions in place, and we are continuing to look at ways to safely increase water flow through the feeder main and add to our supply. However, it’s important that we continue to limit our outdoor water use right now.”

Stage 3 Outdoor Water Restrictions remain in place, next steps being reviewed

“We know people are looking forward to being able to use more water outside,” says Kidd. “We are meeting regularly to discuss when we will be able to move to Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions and allow things like some sprinkler use. There will be more information to come once we get through the next few days.”

Under the current Stage 3 Outdoor Water Restrictions, some outdoor potable water use is allowed. This includes:

· Watering plants with a watering can or container using water from your tap.

· Using a sprinkler or hose to water new sod (for up to 21 days after it is planted) or lawn seed (for up to 45 days after it is planted).

· Water use for construction purposes, like dust suppression, compaction, concrete mixing, watering of new trees and shrubs that are part of a new build and other construction-related activities.

· Water use for home renovation projects, like washing driveways and other surfaces to prepare for paving/sealing, or power-washing a home prior to painting.

Calgarians are encouraged to continue using water collected from rain barrels or indoors to water their plants. To get the most benefit, water in the early morning or in the evening when the weather is cooler, and water low to the ground with a slow, steady stream to minimize evaporation and run off.

While residential non-potable water pick-up stations have closed, the Ogden location for river water collection remains open for the landscape industry while Stage 3 Outdoor Watering Restrictions are in effect. Information on water restrictions can be found at Calgary.ca/restrictions.

Outdoor pools, spray parks and wading pools resuming service

Public outdoor pools as well as City of Calgary wading pools and spray parks were given an exemption from Stage 3 restrictions, as these facilities help create safe spaces for all Calgarians looking for relief from the heat. The majority of City spray parks are now open, with most wading pools expected to open in the coming week. All City wading pools and spray parks are filled with potable water when they open and then recirculate the water through a system of filters for the remainder of the season. This helps keep their water use to a minimum. · For spray park and wading pool status and locations, visit calgary.ca/sprayparks.

· For information on community outdoor pool locations, status and operating hours, visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca.

City shares other options for staying cool in the heat

With very warm temperatures in the forecast for the next few days, The City is sharing tips and resources to help people stay safe. A map of publicly accessible spaces to help Calgarians and visitors stay cool on hot summer days, safety information and more can be found at calgary.ca/heat.

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10, The City will be resuming a regular 2 p.m. livestream to provide progress updates.