Water Restrictions in effect as Calgary enters home stretch of feeder main work
City-wide Stage 4 water restrictions are in effect as crews begin work to connect the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main to the City water system. This is one of the final steps before the new pipe is complete. The restrictions are expected to last approximately four weeks. Once the pipe is connected, we will need to fill, flush, and conduct water quality testing before the pipe is put into service in December.
Calgarians, along with our neighbours in Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Tsuut'ina Nation are asked to help reduce water use by:
- Not using water outdoors, including no outdoor flooding of skating rinks.
- Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Flushing toilets only when needed.
- Taking shorter showers, aiming for three minutes or less.
Water restrictions apply to all residents and businesses. We’re also asking everyone to help spread the word with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.
Why restrictions are needed
To safely connect the new pipe to our water system, the existing feeder main must be temporarily shut down, significantly reducing the amount of water that can be distributed across Calgary and the region. During this time, The City will rely primarily on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to supply water to everyone.
To maintain reliable water service, ensuring we have enough water for fighting fires and keeping the water system working well, water demand needs to stay below 500 million litres per day. Staying at or below this target will help keep Calgary out of the “risky red zone,” where demand could affect our ability to provide the water service Calgary and the region count on every day.
“We’re in the home stretch of installing and connecting this pipe, and we’re confident Calgarians and the region will step up and reduce their water use again,” says Michael Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of The City of Calgary Water Utility. "Every water-saving action adds up to big savings and helps ensure our water system can continue providing the essential services we rely on.”
The City will provide daily updates on water demand and how it is tracking against the 500 million litre target. Water saving tips and the latest information can be found at calgary.ca/savewater.