Update July 26: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage
While operations continue to go smoothly overall in our Water Treatment Plants and in the feeder main, we remain in Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions.
As shared earlier in the week, an additional pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant was turned on in order to increase the flow of water to the feeder main to 75% of its maximum speed.
Since then, we have closely monitored the system, including watching for pressure changes, signs of stress on the pipe and tracking water demand.
In the course of monitoring the system, we detected three additional wire snaps in the feeder main yesterday afternoon and overnight.
This brings the total to eight since the pipe was brought back into service.
While these are not a sign that a feeder main break is imminent, they happened in a fairly short period of time, therefore we chose to do some further investigation before making more changes to our system or water restrictions.
Water use
With the cooler weather on Thursday, our water demand was down to 639 million litres, in line with expectations.
As a reminder, Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions allow for use of a sprinkler, soaker hose or in-ground sprinkling system (including testing) for up to two hours a week, on a set schedule among other things.
- House numbers ending with an even number can water on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
- House numbers ending with an odd number can water on Thursdays or Sundays.
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.
- Water use for construction and home renovation purposes.
- Filling up private outdoor pools including kiddie or backyard pools.
- Kids can play in the sprinkler to cool off, but please be mindful of the water use and shut it off when they are done playing.
To get the most benefit from watering, consider following these tips:
- Water use is recommended in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation during the hottest part of the day.
- Use the right watering tools. Keep water low and slow so it reaches the plant roots instead of evaporating or running off.
- Reduce mowing and watering by keeping your lawn at least 2 to 3 inches high. Taller grass shades the soil, requires less water and stays healthier.
The following is not allowed at any time:
- Washing driveways and sidewalks.
- Water use for home renovation projects is permitted. Washing surfaces such as driveways to prepare for paving/sealing or washing a home prior to painting, for example, would be allowed.
- Washing windows or exterior building surfaces, unless it is done by a business licensed to perform this service.
- Filling fountains and decorative water features, except for bird baths, which are allowed.
- Washing your car or other vehicles with water in the driveway or street.
For more information on restrictions and frequently asked questions, visit calgary.ca/restrictions.
Next steps
We will continue to investigate and closely monitor through the weekend, and will have further updates for you each day.
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