Update Sept. 5: Critical water main repair affecting city-wide water usage

Yesterday’s water use was 500 million litres, which is down from 506 million litres on Tuesday. Although a move in the right direction, we are still pushing our system to capacity. 

We ask Calgarians to help reduce water demand and protect our system for just a little bit longer. Try skipping one toilet flush, which equates to 8 million litres saved city-wide. Our collective support and effort will ensure we are making the most of our limited water supply during these urgent repairs. 

We are currently talking with local industries and organizations about opportunities to lower water use and will provide an update on these efforts tomorrow. At this time, we would like to extend our appreciation to the irrigation and landscape industry for reducing their water usage by adjusting their operations and using our river water pick up stations to continue serving their customers while not drawing on potable water. 

At The City, we are also doing our part to reduce our water use. However, there are some activities that require water usage for health and safety reasons such as the flushing of water lines after a water main repair. This is to remove any sediments or contaminants out of the drinking water supply and is federally and provincially mandated. In addition, this time of year we use air pressure to blow out water from our underground irrigation systems in preparation for winter, which might look like our sprinklers are running.  

All this work is being done in line with current water restrictions and we appreciate your understanding as we complete these necessary activities. 

Bylaw and enforcement 

Under Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions all outdoor water use with City water is prohibited. To enforce restrictions, we have increased our presence in communities and are monitoring compliance. As of today, we have issued 14 tickets, each with a $3,000 fine. Of the tickets issued, ten were for residential customers, two were for multi-family housing and two were for commercial properties. Our Bylaw Officers are actively following up on complaints and expect to issue additional fines in the coming days.  

If you need to water your trees and gardens, please use non-potable water sources like your rain barrel, grey water or river water from one of our river water pick up stations from  9 a.m. to 7 p.m daily.   

Construction update 

Today, we made important progress on our construction sites at 33 Avenue N.W., Shouldice Park and 16 Avenue N.W. Construction remains on schedule to be completed by September 23. 

At sites one through four (in pink) on 33 Avenue N.W. and at Shouldice Park, work is ongoing at all 12 repair segments.  

We have poured concrete at five of the repair areas, and the curing process is underway. At three of those sites, we’ve been able to remove the forms from around the concrete pour. 

At site five on 33 Avenue N.W., excavation work continues as planned. 

We also reached an important milestone this morning with crews starting work on sites six through eight (in orange) along 16 Avenue N.W. Those in the area will start to notice preconstruction activities like saw cutting, setting up fences and crews getting ready for asphalt removal, which is expected to begin today. 

16 Avenue N.W. is closed between 46 Street N.W. and 41 Street N.W. and traffic is being detoured onto Bowness Road. We want to thank drivers for their patience, for following detour signs and for being mindful of pedestrians and our crews. Bowness Road is open in both directions, providing direct access to 16 Avenue N.W. and local businesses. 

Our traffic plan will keep most business driveways open, allow for parking and provide clear directions for customers. Free short-term parking is available throughout the community. We encourage Calgarians to shop local and keep supporting Montgomery and Bowness businesses.  

Our teams are working hard to complete this important work as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate everyone who is doing their part to reduce their water use. We have two and a half weeks left to go and your cooperation during this time is crucial to help us get through these urgent repairs and ensure we have a reliable water system for everyone. For the latest updates, water saving tips, and much more at calgary.ca/savewater.