Update July 27: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0xdGDSRkp0

CALGARY – The City continues to monitor our Water Treatment Plants and the feeder main and operations are functioning smoothly. At this point, The City will remain in Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions.

The system is performing well, however, we detected an additional wire snap last night. This snap is in a different area from the three that occurred on Thursday afternoon and evening. This brings the total to nine since the pipe was brought back into service.

“While these are not a sign that a feeder main break is imminent, we want to do some further investigation before we make any additional changes to our system or water restrictions,” said City of Calgary Director of Water Services Nancy Mackay. “We will continue to investigate and closely monitor throughout the weekend and will have further updates for you each day.”

Friday’s demand was 593 million litres – a drop from the previous day which was expected given the cooler temperatures and that it is a non-watering day.

We received our initial pipe diver results late last night and we are currently analyzing the results. This will take several days. While this analysis continues, and in light of the wire snaps on Thursday and Friday, we will leave Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions in place.

Stage 1 Water Restrictions

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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