The Bearspaw South Feeder Main is now out of service to prepare for critical reinforcement work, which is expected to last four weeks. During this time, our system will not be able to supply normal water levels to Calgarians and neighbouring communities.
As of this morning, Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions are in effect and we are asking everyone in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Tsuut’ina Nation to reduce their indoor water use, too.
“This shutdown is necessary to complete important reinforcement work and protect our water system,” says Nicole Newton, Director of Climate & Environment. “For the next four weeks, we need everyone to work together to reduce water use while our system is less flexible.”
Message to residents
We are asking residents to start saving water now. Our goal is to keep daily water use below 500 million litres so our system can safely meet demand while the feeder main is out of service.
Saving about 25 litres of water per person per day makes a meaningful difference, and is as simple as:
Flushing toilets only when needed: each skipped flush saves nearly five litres of waterKeeping showers to three minutes: each minute less saves about seven litres of waterRunning dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads. Dishwashers use around 28 litres a cycle, and a front load washing machine uses 62 litres, so only running full loads can go a long way.
When everyone takes part, these small, high-impact actions help keep our water system stable.
Message to businesses
Businesses and organizations across the region are also being asked to reduce water use. Many have already taken steps to conserve water by adjusting operations and reminding customers and staff about restrictions.
We are encouraging all businesses to:
Review operations for unnecessary water useFix leaks and adjust processes where possibleShare water‑saving expectations with staff and customers
Tips and tools are available on calgary.ca to help businesses conserve water without compromising safety or service.
Construction and system update
Crews have adjusted how water moves through Calgary’s drinking water system as the feeder main is out of service and are working around the clock to safely and reliably deliver drinking water.
As part of the shutdown:
Pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant have been shut downValves have been closed to isolate the feeder mainCrews are draining water from the pipe
Once the feeder main is fully depressurized, crews will begin excavating the pipe, with work expected to start tomorrow. After the pipe is exposed, crews will reinforce it with a steel cage and concrete casing. Construction will take place at all three work sites simultaneously.
Over the next four weeks, crews will reinforce nine sections of pipe, including six along 16 Avenue N.W. near Sarcee Trail and three at Point McKay Park. Additional feeder main work will also be completed during this time.
While work is underway, you may notice water draining near the construction area, increased operational activity as crews manage flows across the system and crews working at manholes and access points in Edworthy Park and the communities of Bowness, Montgomery and Parkdale. These are normal and necessary parts of the process. Please be respectful of our crews as they carry out this work as safely and efficiently as possible.
Traffic updates
The following road closures and detours are in effect:
Lane reductions are in place on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail interchange, with one lane open in each direction.The exit ramp from 16 Avenue N.W. onto Sarcee Trail and the exit off Sarcee Trail onto westbound 16 Avenue N.W. are both closed.16 Avenue westbound remains open but changed lane patterns will cause traffic to move slowly.Drivers heading west on 16 Avenue N.W. are encouraged to plan ahead.
Stay informed
Please start saving water today and talk with family, friends, coworkers and customers to spread the word about the steps you are taking to save water.
By working together and keeping conservation top of mind, we can stay within our limits and protect our water system while this critical work is underway.
For the most up‑to‑date information, practical tips and resources visit: calgary.ca/savewater
City opens Community Resource Centre for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main project
Residents in Bowness, Montgomery and Parkdale now have a dedicated place to get information, connect to social services and receive in‑person support as the City of Calgary opens a Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association to support the Bearspaw South Feeder Main projects.
The Community Resource Centre is open Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
City staff will be available on site to speak with residents, listen to concerns and support getting the answers for questions about the projects. They can also help connect people to city services, community resources and other supports. This includes assistance for those affected by construction and major disruptions, as well as access to social supports.
“This Community Resource Centre is here to support the community through a challenging period,” says John Acheson, Leader of community integrations services. “Our staff are available to listen, answer questions and help connect people with services and supports they may need during construction.”
More information about Bearspaw South Feeder Main projects is available at calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain
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