Update Sept. 1: Critical water main repair affecting city-wide water usage

Yesterday, Calgarians lowered their water demand to 475 million litres, which is down from 492 million litres on Friday. This is still above our target, but it is a move in the right direction. While we are making urgent repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main over the next few weeks, keeping our treated water consumption to 450 million liters per day will help us avoid running out of drinking water. 

Hot weather remains in the forecast for the upcoming week. Using City water outdoors is not allowed right now under Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions. If you need to water plants, use other sources such as collected rainwater, grey water from your shower or one of our three river water pick up sites for residential or commercial use. 

As of this morning, we have received 398 reports of water misuse this week. This includes 275 at homes and multi-family buildings, and 67 at businesses. Bylaw officers are continuing work through the weekend to follow up on these complaints. The fine for outdoor water use during Stage 4 Restrictions is $3,000. 

Construction progress 

We are making progress on our repairs this weekend, working 24 hours a day. As of this morning, our construction remains on schedule. 

At Sites 1-4 along 33 Avenue N.W. and at Shouldice Park, construction activities are now underway on all 12 repair segments. We have completed excavation on five more repair segments, bringing the total to seven, and we are continuing excavation on another five. Crews are conducting inspections on the newly completed excavations, and installation of rebar and form work for concrete pouring is continuing. 

We still expect to finish the excavation on the first four sites by Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

Crews are preparing to start construction on Sites 6-8 on 16 Avenue, which is planned to begin on Thursday, Sept. 5. 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed from 46 Street N.W. to the Bowness Road interchange on Thursday, Sept. 5, with traffic being detoured onto Bowness Road. 

Bowness Road will be fully open in both directions with direct access to 16th Avenue and businesses. 

There is a traffic plan that will keep most business driveways open, allow for parking, and provide clear direction to help customers find their way. 

Free short-term parking is available throughout the community. 

As part of our preparation to begin repairs at Site 5 on 33 Avenue N.W., crews will be sawing into sections of the pavement. Saw cutting is planned to begin Tuesday, Sept. 3.  

We will continue providing updates daily. You can get the latest news, water saving tips, and much more at calgary.ca/savewater