Update July 29: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage
We continue to closely monitor the feeder main, our water treatment plants and the drinking water distribution system.
While things remain stable today, we did detect another wire snap on Sunday afternoon. This is in addition to four that occurred on Thursday and Friday. These wire snaps are providing us with important information on how the feeder main is responding to pressure.
On Friday, we also received preliminary data from the pipe diver device, a physical electronic device that we deployed earlier this month to inspect the entire length of the feeder main. The pipe diver reached areas of the feeder main that we couldn't initially inspect because they hadn't been drained of water after the break or during the subsequent repairs. We have been analyzing this data throughout the weekend, and that work will continue into this week.
For now, we will remain in Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions.
Water use
On Sunday, water demand was 649 million litres, which was as expected.
Now that we've been following the sprinkler schedule for a week, we can see that water use is higher on the watering days and lower on the non-watering days. This shows us that Calgarians are sticking to the schedule, which helps us balance our water supply and demand and ensure that we can refill our underground water storage reservoirs on the non-watering days.
We want to thank Calgarians for their support as we continue our work.
Stage 1 Outdoor 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.