Jan. 5 Major water main break update

CALGARY – The City of Calgary’s focus remains to fix the impacted portion of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to bring it back into service next week and take pressure off the smaller Glenmore Water Treatment Plant. 

With water usage trending higher, Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson said the overreliance on the Glenmore Treatment Plant is a serious concern. 

“The Glenmore Plant is small, and we are currently running three times normal to keep up with our demand,” said Thompson. “We are working very hard to keep it running at this capacity, but if there are any mechanical or other issues, it will have a serious impact on our water supply. We also need to keep enough water in the Glenmore Reservoir to get us through the winter.” 

Unlike the 2024 break – where multiple repairs were made before the feeder main was brought back into service – the priority will be to get the Bearspaw South Feeder Main back up and running as soon as possible and reinforcing parts of the line as future work.  

“This work will likely include reinforcing segments of pipe using the concrete encasement method which we used in 2024,” said Thompson. “These reinforcements will take place as soon as possible, no later than the spring of 2026." 

The dependability of feeder main line remains a concern and will continue to be until a new, parallel line, is put in place.  

“I understand this news regarding the stability of the pipe is not what anyone wants to hear,” said Thompson. “While planning for urgent reinforcement work, we will be looking for every possible opportunity to advance the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Replacement project to get us out of this vulnerable situation.” 

Thompson said shutdowns of the feeder main in Spring and Fall, may be necessary to complete reinforcement work.  

CONSERVATION AND WATER USE 

Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry says conserving water until the feeder main is back up, is key.  

Calgarians used 510 million litres of water Sunday – well above the safe zone of 485 million litres. 

“It is imperative that Calgarians continue to conserve water, so demand does not outstrip supply,” said Henry.   

The boil water advisory for affected communities was removed Sunday night. 

“I am pleased to share that as of Sunday evening, the boil water advisory that was in place in the communities of Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay and West Hillhurst has been lifted,” said Henry.  

Anyone in the affected area who has not used their household water system in the past 24 hours is advised to flush their systems prior to initial use. To flush your system, turn the bathtub tap on cold for ten minutes. Turn the bathtub off and then turn all other faucets on cold for five minutes. If you have continued to use your household water throughout the last week you do not need to take this step. 

“While this may seem contrary to the conservation messaging we have in place, ensuring safety for those folks who were on a boil-water alert is paramount,” said Henry. For those homes that flush, please return to water conservation after doing so.  

ROADS AND MOBILITY 

A single eastbound lane on 16 Ave N.W. east of Sarcee Trail N.W. has been reopened. Access to eastbound 16 Ave N.W. from Sarcee has also reopened. Westbound traffic along 16 Avenue N.W. between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. remains closed. There will be reduced speed through the construction area. With the opening of eastbound 16 Avenue N.W., 49 Street N.W. is returning to normal operations, meaning there will no longer be a left-hand turn from southbound 49 Street N.W. onto eastbound 16 Avenue N.W. Motorists wanting to travel eastbound on 16 Ave N.W. should use Home Road N.W 

For the latest information about road closures and detours, please go to: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditions/traffic.html   

CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS  

Crews continue making steady progress at the break site along 16 Avenue N.W. The water in the site has been pumped out and drained, the affected piece of the pipe has been excavated, cut and removed.  

Calgarians may see some hydrant-flushing in the area of 52 St. And Memorial Dr. S.E. This is part of a separate water main repair project and not related to the Bearspaw Feeder Main repair. The flushing is critical for health and safety.  

More updates will be shared as information becomes available.   

Keep updated by visiting www.calgary.ca     

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