An independent report reveals Calgary’s water system has had systemic issues since 2004, with the Bearspaw feeder main requiring urgent replacement after repeated failures
Independent Report on Bearspaw Feeder Main Failure
An independent report into the June 2024 failure of the Bearspaw feeder main recommends significant action to address systemic issues in Calgary’s water system. The report follows a rupture that forced the city to spend millions on emergency repairs and implement strict water conservation measures.
The six-member independent panel’s findings were released earlier than planned after a second rupture on December 30. Although the report was completed before this second failure, the recommendations remain relevant.
Key Findings of the Report
The Bearspaw feeder main carries 60 percent of the city’s drinking water. The report states that the line will “continue to be unreliable” despite repairs and must be replaced. Siegfried Kiefer, chair of the independent panel, emphasized the need for urgent action.
Kiefer noted that the city was aware of corrosion issues with the pipe due to soil chemistry. The report highlighted that previous studies confirmed risks to the feeder main, but the city prioritized other needs and deferred inspections.
| Year | Inspection Status |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Not Conducted |
| 2020 | Not Conducted |
| 2022 | Not Conducted |
The report identifies “systemic gaps” in the city’s management and oversight of the water utility. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated that the city council is “duty-bound” to implement the panel’s recommendations.
Recommendations for Improvement
The panel recommends changing the management structure to include a CEO responsible to a board of directors. Kiefer stressed the importance of dedicated management for the utility, which has $3 billion in assets and $1 billion in annual revenue.
Additionally, the report calls for an overhaul of risk management and asset integrity processes. It noted that the last Asset Management Plan in 2017 lacked essential planning safeguards.
David Duckworth, the city’s chief administrative officer, accepted responsibility for the situation. He assured Calgarians that the city is working to build a resilient water system.
Immediate Actions and Future Plans
The report recommends replacing the entire length of the Bearspaw feeder main with a new steel pipe. Kiefer stated that this project is urgent and should be accelerated.
While no cost estimate is provided, Kiefer mentioned that the project would have a lifespan of over 50 years. Mayor Farkas is advocating for full funding for the replacement line, which is set to begin construction this spring.
During a special city council meeting, some councillors questioned the timing of the report’s release amid ongoing water supply challenges. Councillor Jennifer Wyness emphasized the need to focus on fixing the pipe first.
Farkas defended the report’s release, stating it was appropriate and necessary to inform Calgarians about the situation. The city reported that water consumption exceeded the target of 485 million liters for four consecutive days, prompting an emergency alert from the province.
City council is expected to receive an implementation plan for the panel’s recommendations in February.
