CALGARY – The City of Calgary is calling on all residents and businesses to take urgent action to reduce water consumption while crews are working to repair the feeder main break. Current water use levels have reached an unsustainable point for the second day in a row, putting our community at risk should an emergency occur.

“Calgary’s water system is under significant strain,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “If we experience an unexpected event our current consumption levels leave little room to respond. We are reminding Calgarians and our regional partners to help use less water.”

On Monday, Jan. 5, Calgarians used 514 million litres (ML) of water, well above the target zone of 485 ML and another increase over the day before.

“We know this is not an ideal situation, but we are asking everyone to do what you can to reduce your water usage,” said Henry.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

This urgent plea comes as construction continues on the feeder main repairs.

Crews continue making steady progress at the break site along 16 Avenue N.W. The affected piece of the pipe has been removed, and we are now focused on investigating the condition of the pipe on either side of the break. That work will continue today and into Wednesday and will inform future repairs to the existing pipe.

Calgarians may see some hydrant-flushing in the area of 52 St. and Memorial Dr. S.E. This is part of a separate water main repair project and not related to the Bearspaw Feeder Main repair. The flushing is critical for health and safety.  

TEMPORARY WATER OUTAGE

Meanwhile, a temporary water service interruption will take place beginning Wednesday morning and will impact 30 homes and one business in the community of Bowness over the next two days.

This interruption is required because crews will be conducting an inspection of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main in this area. In order to enter the pipe and undertake this work safely, crews must first drain a section of the pipe and ensure it is safe for entry. The impacted homes are along 48th Ave. N.W. and 33rd Ave. N.W., as well as the Shane Homes West Soccer Dome. Impacted parties will be notified directly by crews.

This inspection will not delay repair of the feeder main or our timeline for getting the pipe back in service. 

We appreciate the added inconvenience and can assure you this inspection is necessary to better understand the condition of the feeder main.

Specific information will be provided to the 30 homes and one business impacted on what to do after water is restored or they can contact 311 or visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.    

ROADS AND MOBILITY 

A single eastbound lane on 16 Avenue N.W. east of Sarcee Trail N.W. has reopened. Access to eastbound 16 Avenue N.W. from Sarcee Trail has also reopened. Westbound traffic along 16 Avenue N.W. between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. remains closed. Speed reductions are in place throughout the construction area. With the opening of eastbound 16 Avenue N.W., 49 Street N.W. is returning to normal operations. This means there will no longer be a left-hand turn from southbound 49 Street N.W. onto eastbound 16 Avenue N.W.

The City of Calgary’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC) is a 24/7 operation monitoring, managing and responding to emergency roadway concerns 365 days a year. The TMC is actively keeping a close eye on roadway operations in the area along 16 Avenue NW as well as impacts on the neighbouring communities. Our engineers are actively optimizing traffic signal timings to better accommodate the additional traffic volumes experienced by vehicles in these areas. Our team is also continuously monitoring for any additional obstructions (such as stalled vehicles, debris, or collisions), to respond immediately and minimize further disruptions to traffic.

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

 

More updates will be shared as information becomes available.   

Keep updated by visiting www.calgary.ca     

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