CALGARY – The City of Calgary continues its efforts to repair a large feeder main break near 16 Avenue N.W. and Home Road. Work is progressing well, and crews are moving closer to replacing the damaged area of pipe.
“We have a strong team committed to repairing this feeder main break as soon as possible so that we can once again provide a reliable, safe and secure source of water to all Calgarians and our regional customers,” says Water Services Director Nancy Mackay. “We are working around the clock to make this happen.”
WHERE CONSTRUCTION IS AT
Today, crews succeeded in cutting into the pipe so the damaged portion can be removed. The pipe will be prepped for repair, while completing many technical tests to understand what other work is needed.
This is a very critical stage and will take some time to complete.
Today, a section of pipe was removed near the break, and this is the first step to remove the compromised sections of the pipe which we aim to complete by the end of the day.
After the assessment is complete and we have all the parts we need to complete the repair, crews will start installing the new section and completing the welding.
Some repair work can continue to proceed concurrently with the condition assessment.
“I want to assure you that our crews, engineers and team members are working around the clock to get this work done,” says Mackay. “We know this is incredibly challenging for residents and businesses in Bowness.”
The ability to get water to all communities at this time has been severely compromised due to this pipe break. Calgarians are making a difference by saving water, allowing our reservoirs to replenish during this critical time. Since the beginning of the event, we’ve seen a 27 per cent drop in water consumption.
Without this continued effort, we are at risk of running out of water.
“We have been very thankful with how citizens have stepped up to save water. Your efforts have improved every day and are reflected in how our reservoirs have been able to replenish. I want to thank you again for your efforts,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
The Glenmore Water Treatment plant is working overtime as the entire pipe network is connected and more water usage in one area means less in another. We are pumping at capacity and will continue to monitor our reservoir levels to ensure water access across the city.
“Calgarians are not alone in their effort to use less water”, says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “You are not alone in this. The City is also working to reduce our water usage. Some of the ways we are conserving water include closing wash bays for City vehicles, closing swimming pools and arenas, and turning the taps off for decorative water features and fountains. We’ve also paused our street sweeping to avoid washing the streets for now”.
The boil water advisory remains in effect for residents and businesses in Bowness. There are several next steps in our plan we are refining though our work with Alberta Health Services.
For more information on Boil Water Advisories and using water safely when an advisory is in place, resources for homeowners and businesses is available here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page15235.aspx#boilwater
Road closures remain in place near 16 Avenue N.W. and Home Road, and commuters are advised to avoid the area as significant delays are expected.
We will continue to provide updates when information is available via local media, social media, 311 and calgary.ca/wateroutages, and will inform Calgarians when Stage 4 water restrictions are no longer needed.
