March 20 update on Bearspaw South Feeder Main Break – Back in the Green Zone

Yesterday’s water use was 499 million litres, putting us back in the green zone after briefly rising above our target on Thursday. Thank you, Calgary and our surrounding neighbours, for stepping up your water-saving efforts.

We are asking everyone to save 25 litres of water per person, per day, by:

• Flushing toilets only when needed.
• Keeping showers to three minutes or less.
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

With spring here and gardening season approaching, we know many are eager to start preparing. Since outdoor water use is not allowed, we’re asking everyone to please hold off until we complete the reinforcement work over the next two weeks. As an alternative, consider using a broom to sweep decks or sidewalks. 

By staying focused on daily water-saving actions, you’re helping our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to return the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to service.

Construction update

Crews continue to make progress on the planned reinforcement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.

We are reinforcing a total of nine pipe segments:

• Six segments on 16 Avenue N.W., near Sarcee Trail
• Three segments in Point McKay Park 

Reinforcement concrete pours are now complete at all locations.  Where concrete has already cured, crews are backfilling around the pipe.

Valve replacement at the Shaganappi Pump Station is now complete and we will start refilling section 3 of the pipe as early as today. Reinforcement was not required in this section, which is why we are able to start filling it now. This is only one section out of a total of three, and we will fill the other sections once reinforcement and backfilling are complete. Once all segments are filled, we will start the process of bringing the pipe back into service. 

Filling this one section of pipe will use about 5 million litres of water from the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, which will temporarily increase our overall water demand. Your water-saving efforts are more important than ever in helping us manage that demand and keeping our system stable until the entire pipe is back in service.

Traffic and community updates

Yesterday we announced the following intermittent traffic impacts, including short-term lane closures related to the construction of the final microtunnelling shaft for the replacement pipe at 16 Avenue near 44 Street N.W.:

• March 24–25: single-lane closure eastbound on 16 Avenue N.W. in this area.
• Beginning April 1 for approximately two weeks, and again in May and June: eastbound lanes will be closed in this area with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction.

We know these closures will impact travel, and we thank you for your patience. Please plan ahead, follow posted signage and give crews space to work safely as we complete this work.

Stay informed

For the latest updates, practical tips and resources for residents and businesses, visit calgary.ca/savewater.