Update Jan. 14: Major water main break

The City has reached a significant milestone in fixing the Bearspaw Feeder Main as we edge closer to lifting water restrictions.

With results showing the water is safe to drink, The City began returning the pipe to service last night. Earlier this morning we started the process of repressurizing, which means turning on our pumps to push water through the pipes. We are taking a cautious approach to bring the pipe back to service in a controlled manner.

“Starting last night, after confirming water quality test results, we began gradually opening the main valve to reconnect the feeder main to the larger distribution network,” said City of Calgary Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson. ”Returning the Bearspaw South feeder main to service is a delicate process. We can’t guarantee there won't be another break during this process, so we are proceeding very carefully.”

This morning, we turned on our first set of pumps, beginning the gradual introduction of flow into the pipe. The system will require 24 hours to stabilize before advancing to the next phase tomorrow morning when additional pumps will be turned on to further increase flow through the pipe. The system will again require 24 hours to stabilize and Friday morning the final pump will be activated to bring the feeder main to full service.

“If everything remains stable, restrictions could be lifted by the weekend,” said Thompson.

Calgary Emergency Management Chief Susan Henry said Calgarians will see an increased presence of City crews and emergency responders in the area around the feeder main as it is returned to service. “This is a precaution should we experience a problem with the feeder main as it is being refilled,” said Henry. “Over the next few days people in the areas around the feeder main may see other activities as we put this plan into place, like increased presence of Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police, City work crews, and Utility teams.

Yesterday, water use was 499 million litres—still above our target of 485 million litres.

“While the finish line is in sight, we still need your help to conserve water just a little longer. Every action you take matters.”

These three actions can deliver immediate reductions in water usage:

Flush only when necessary.
Shorten showers.
Run full loads only.


ROADS AND MOBILITY

Westbound traffic on 16 Avenue N.W. has resumed along one lane as paving is finanized in that area. Alll eastbound lanes are open at 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. Please pay attention to road signs as speed limits may be reduced. Additional short-term closures are expected in Montgomery and Bowness to support Water Services return-to-service work. Use caution when travelling through the area.

For the latest information about road closures and detours, please go to: https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditio...

To view the daily water usage dashboard, visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak

More updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Keep updated by visiting www.calgary.ca