Jan. 7 Major water main break update
The City of Calgary remains in a highly vulnerable position as continued high water use puts the community at real risk should an emergency arise.
“Calgary’s water system continues to face strain, and while we’ve seen encouraging signs of reduced consumption, we are still operating with very limited capacity to respond to any unexpected events,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “We are asking Calgarians and our regional partners to stay vigilant and keep lowering water use wherever possible.”
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Calgarians used 511 million litres (ML) of water, above the target zone of 485 ML.
“We recognize this ongoing situation is challenging, and we appreciate the efforts people have already made. We need everyone to continue finding ways to reduce water usage so we can protect the system and maintain essential services.”
The mandatory Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place as crews continue to work around the clock on the South Bearspaw feeder main break near 16 Avenue N.W. east of Sarcee Trail.
We are calling on all residents, businesses and regional partners to continue to take urgent action to reduce water consumption while this important repair work is ongoing.
If everyone saved just 25-30 litres of water a day we'd be within the safe zone for water usage across our city (485 ML). That's the equivalent of one and a half water cooler jugs.
Saving this much water is simple:
Taking a three-minute shower instead of five saves 16 L (2 minutes × 8 L/min)
Skipping 2 toilet flushes → saves 12 L
City recreation centres are doing their part to help Calgary conserve water. Steam rooms are closed, and wave pool and water slide hours have been adjusted to reduce water use. These temporary changes aim to lower water use, showing that even small steps in community spaces can make a big difference.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS & TEMPORARY WATER OUTAGE
Crews have installed the new pipe sections and welding is taking place. Inspections continue in the feeder main and are expecting to be completed early Thursday, and the return to service for those 30 homes and Shane Homes West Soccer Dome. Information on what to do after water is restored is available by calling 311 or by visiting calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
The next steps for the repair include inspecting the welds and installing corrosion protection along the new section of pipe, followed by backfilling.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Reminder that a single eastbound lane on 16 Avenue N.W. east of Sarcee Trail N.W. has reopened. Access to eastbound 16 Avenue N.W. from Sarcee Trail has also reopened. Westbound traffic along 16 Avenue N.W. between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. remains closed. Speed reductions are in place throughout the construction area.
For the latest information about road closures and detours, please go to: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditions/traffic.html
To view the daily water usage dashboard, visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak
More updates will be shared as information becomes available.
Keep updated by visiting www.calgary.ca