Update June 12: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

We are still needing all Calgarians to keep their water use to the bare minimum. More information can be found on the links below.

To keep it short: we are looking at next week for the water line to be up and running, and then we will still need all Calgarians to conserve water to allow the reserves to be replenished. No fires, this includes gas, and no outdoor water use.

We need to ensure that we collectively keep our water use down for another week. Thank you to those that have cut back, and continuing to do so. Thank you also to the city crews who are working 24 hours to ensure we have this water main fixed!

CALGARY – As progress continues on the Bearspaw feeder main pipe repair, Calgarians are again reminded of the importance of conservation.

Water usage for Tuesday, June 11, was up slightly from the previous day to 480 million litres.

“We are urging all Calgarians to double down and help us bring that usage down again,” said Calgary Emergency Management Chief Susan Henry.

“I know this is a huge ask. We have been in this emergency response for nearly one week now, and I know you are tired of the inconvenience, of the disruption to your commute and to life in general. It is okay to feel this way. However, we can’t let up on the amazing water saving efforts Calgarians have shown so far.”

Additional results from yesterday’s more extensive internal inspection of the water feeder main pipe by a specialty robot are being assessed by our team. We have now completed inspection of 1.8 kms of pipe.

PipeWalker (2) Today, there are crews out working on welding repairs on some of the access hatches along this section of pipe. The new section of pipe was completely disinfected this morning before it was lowered into place.

The big job now is welding the new pipe into place and welding the metal ring that goes around the new pipe to connect it to the existing pipe. Once welding of the pipe is complete, we will continue to apply protective coating on the pipe to prevent corrosion.

City crews are also assessing damage that initially occurred when the water that came from the initial feedermain break that flowed into Shouldice Park. There is a section of pathway just south of Shouldice fields that has been roped off due to damage from the initial flooding.

FIRE BAN

A fire ban remains in effect for The City of Calgary. Following consultation with the construction industry, the Calgary Fire Department is now permitting certain lower-risk hot works activities for roofing (restrictions on this work apply and work using open flames are prohibited). If there is essential work that needs to be completed or a business is unsure if their work is compliant they are encouraged to email FireLegal@calgary.ca. We would like to remind Calgarians that gas and propane fire pits are not allowed to be used during the fire ban.

BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT

While most Calgarians are doing their best and following water restrictions since June 6, we have dealt with a number of incidences of people misusing water:

Bylaw has received 1,170 water calls and resolved 1,077 of those. There have been 306 written warnings, 368 verbal warnings and one summons has been issued.

To date there have been 4,101 calls to 311 for this event with 137 of those about fire pits/bans.

RECREATION AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

All City-operated aquatic fitness facilities and leisure centres are open, including weight rooms. North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres are open.

Swimming pools, arenas, water parks and showers remain closed.

Detours are in place as 16 Ave. remains closed at Home Road N.W. to support crews’ safety at the site.

The City of Calgary thanks affected residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during this time.

For more information visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.