Update June 22: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage
CALGARY – Repair work continues to progress on the water feeder main hotspots. City of Calgary Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson provided an update on activity this weekend, as crews continue to be hard at work to restore Calgary’s water supply.
“This weekend crews at all locations remain focused on the welding aspects of the repairs,” explains Thompson. “The damaged sections of pipe have now been removed and taken off-site for further forensic investigation. All necessary materials required for the repairs have arrived on-site today.”
Non-potable options now available for some businesses, plans for Calgarians underway.
Mayor Gondek highlighted additional water support for businesses, as river water (non-potable) pickup sites opened for businesses doing work requiring dust control, compacting of dirt or gravel surfaces, and establishing new landscaping projects.
“We’ve provided a solution for businesses in the interim,” states the Mayor, “With a short construction season, we want to make sure these industries are able to continue their work. With these sites, they will be able to access the river’s water to keep building.”
Two commercial pickup sites opened for use on Friday, one at West Baker Park and the other in Ogden. These businesses picked up approximately 48,784 litres of non-potable water on Friday.
The City will expand this program this weekend to make non-potable river water available for individuals to water their indoor and outdoor plantings. Initially these will be new access points located at the same sites as the commercial pickups, and The City is exploring opening other locations over the coming days.
We are reminding all Calgarians that the water pumped from the river is non-potable and not safe for drinking.
Friday’s water use for the Calgary area was 462 million litres.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 8,450 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,386 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 14 violation tickets to companies.
A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 172 calls. There have been 19 written warnings, 71 verbal warnings and we have issued five violation tickets.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Access to all businesses in the area is currently being maintained and Bowness and Montgomery businesses are open. We encourage you to shop locally and where possible, plan your route ahead of time to avoid delays.
The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:
· Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue NW from 49 Street NW to Home Road will remain closed. Eastbound lanes will be open.
· 16 Avenue NW will be closed in both directions from 46 Street NW and 45 Street NW
· 16 Avenue NW will be closed in both directions from 43 Street NW to Bowness Road NW
· East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Rd. Expect delays.
· Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.
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