Update July 20: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

This weekend our work restoring service to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main continues as we monitor the system’s performance along with our water supply and demand.

As of 8 a.m. today, no new wire snaps have been detected in the feeder main. Water is flowing through the pipe at 70% of its maximum speed, and the pipe continues to perform well. This means we are able to supply enough water to meet an increased demand.

Our water use yesterday was 612 million litres, which is in line with what we forecasted with Stage 2 Restrictions in place and current hot weather.

Full details of what to expect under each stage of restrictions can be found at calgary.ca/restrictions.

Yesterday evening, there was a water main break in the 5100 block of Bowness Road N.W. Unfortunately, there are 14 residential and 10 commercial properties experiencing a temporary disruption to their water service.

A water wagon is onsite to provide water for those who are impacted. 

A portion of Bowness Road in both directions has been temporarily closed for repairs. It will reopen when it is safe to do so. Please drive carefully and follow detour and other signage.

Crews have located the source of the break and are onsite working on repairs, which are anticipated to take 48 hours. 

While this break is near the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, it is not directly connected to the feeder main. It is on a much smaller 10-inch cast iron pipe. It is not impacting the flow of water through the feeder main.

This incident does not affect our ability to meet Calgary's current water demand, and our water remains safe to drink.

Water main breaks of this size are not unusual. Calgary maintains nearly 15,000 kilometres of underground water infrastructure as part of our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. We have one of the lowest number of average breaks per 100 kilometres when compared to other major Canadian cities.

The number of water main breaks we are responding to is slightly higher right now from what we’d normally see. We may see some additional breaks as the system responds to the changes we have been making to restore water flow. 

During this emergency, we had to draw more water from the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant than from Bearspaw, and we directed water through our drinking water distribution system in a different way than we typically might. 

Once we brought the feeder main back online, we changed the direction of water in some areas, increased the pressure of water flowing through the system, and we are continuing to make adjustments. 

When changes like these are made, it is normal to experience additional breaks in pipes across the system. 

We have teams ready to respond 24/7 to any disruption, and fixing breaks typically takes 48 hours or less.

We will continue to monitor the system throughout the weekend. With this information, we will be able to make a decision on Monday on whether we are ready to move to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions.   

Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions

We are currently in Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions. Under Stage 2, we can now use a sprinkler, soaker hose or in-ground sprinkling system for up to one hour a week, on specific days.

• Some sprinkler use on certain days and times:
  • Water with a sprinkler for up to one hour per week on a set schedule
  • Sprinkler schedule is based on address
  • House numbers ending with an even number can use a sprinkler Wednesday or Saturday
  • House numbers ending with an odd number can use a sprinkler Thursday or Sunday
• Sprinkler use is allowed in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation during the hottest part of the day.

The following is allowed at any time:

• Watering with a hose that has a trigger spray nozzle or drip irrigation
• Hand watering using a watering can or other container
• Watering new grass with a sprinkler or irrigation system
• Water use for pesticide or fertilizer application

The following is not allowed at any time:

• Outdoor washing of cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways. Note: manual window washing by certified companies is allowed, other window washing is not.
• Filling fountains or other decorative features, except for bird baths

These restrictions continue to apply to all customers who use City water. This includes all Calgary residences, businesses and City operations.