CALGARY – The City is one step closer to returning the Bearspaw Feeder Main to service after another pump was turned on this morning.  

The final pump is scheduled to be activated on Friday morning if the pipe continues to remain stable. It takes about 24 hours to stabilize the system before advancing to each subsequent phase. 

Throughout the process of repressurizing or turning on pumps to push water through the pipes, we are taking a cautious approach to bring the pipe back to service in a controlled manner.  

“We are proceeding carefully as we further increase flow into the pipe,” said City of Calgary Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson. “Returning the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to service is a delicate and phased process and as of today we have completed two phases. On Friday morning, we plan to activate the final pump to bring the feeder main to full service.” 

“In the meantime, we still need Calgarians to continue conserving water just a little longer,” said Calgary Emergency Management Chief Sue Henry. “Every action you take to reduce water usage still has an impact on the Glenmore Reservoir.” 

On Wednesday, water use increased to 501 million litres — still above our target of 485 million litres.  

These three actions can deliver immediate reductions in water usage:   

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

 

COMMUNITY PROTECTION 

As we work to return the feeder main to service, we’ve been planning for multiple contingencies in the event of an unexpected break by implementing a community protection plan. People in the areas around the feeder main may see other activities as we put this plan into place, such as increased presence of the Calgary Fire Department, the Calgary Police Service, Peace Officers, City work crews, and Utility teams.  

ROADS AND MOBILITY  

Westbound traffic on 16 Avenue N.W. is currently open between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. with some lane restrictions. Eastbound lanes are fully opened, and westbound lanes are reopening in phases with the inside lane already open. We’re monitoring and evaluating the road base, and the remaining westbound lanes will reopen when it’s safe to do so. 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.  

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

To view the daily water usage dashboard, visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak Keep updated by visiting www.calgary.ca and download the Alberta Emergency Alberta app.  

 

The next media availability is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m.  

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