March 24 update on Bearspaw South Feeder Main Break - let's get our green streak back

As yesterday’s water use climbed up to 506 million litres (ML), The City is asking Calgarians to keep focused on saving water in order to get our daily demand back below 500 ML, known as the green zone.

Keeping our demand in the green zone means our system can support firefighting needs while critical work is being done to reinforce the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.

To steer us back into the green zone, we are asking everyone to continue saving 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.

We know saving water takes extra effort. By staying focused on these daily water-saving actions, we can finish strong in the green zone and ensure we have enough capacity in our system to respond to unexpected issues or emergencies.

As crews continue working to reinforce the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, Calgary Conversations – the City of Calgary podcast – sits down with Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson to get an update on this important work.  

Thompson discusses how we got here, where we are in the process of reinforcing the existing “terminally ill” line and the progress on delivering a new line in 2026.  

Check out the full podcast calgary.ca or wherever you download your favourite podcasts. Check out past episodes at Calgary Conversations: The City of Calgary podcast. 

Construction update

Construction is progressing well, and Section 3 – the part of the pipe that was shut down for work on a valve at the Shaganappi Pump Station - is returning to service today.

People in north Calgary may notice their water is cloudy. This is temporary. This water is safe to drink and flushing of your home's taps and faucets is not necessary.

Traffic and community updates

Backfilling is now complete at all nine sites and preparation for paving is now in progress.

Thank you for your patience. Please plan ahead, follow posted signage and give crews space to work safely as we complete this work.

We thank all residents and businesses in Calgary and our neighbouring communities for continuing to save water. For the latest updates, practical tips and resources for residents and businesses, visit calgary.ca/savewater.