Calgary is progressing toward lifting Stage 4 water restrictions after repairing the Bearspaw feeder main, though officials warn of ongoing risks and urge continued conservation
Calgary Nears Milestone in Bearspaw Feeder Main Repair
Calgary officials report that the city is close to a significant milestone in response to the Bearspaw feeder main break. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the system is gradually restored.
During an update on Monday afternoon, Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed cautious optimism. He informed Calgarians that crews are nearing the restoration of service to the feeder main. However, he emphasized that the next phase is delicate and the risk of another break remains.
Infrastructure General Manager Michael Thompson shared progress made over the weekend. He confirmed that the repaired section of the Bearspaw feeder main has been filled with about 22 million litres of water. Crews are conducting water quality tests to ensure it meets standards set by Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
“We are now collecting samples to test the water to make sure it is meeting or exceeding regulatory standards,” Thompson said. “Once we have completed the testing process and the water is safe to drink, we will begin stabilizing the system, which includes turning on the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and starting to flow water through the pipe.”
If testing and stabilization go smoothly, the feeder main could return to service in the next few days. This would allow the city to lift Stage 4 water restrictions that have been in place since the break.
However, both Farkas and Thompson noted that the pipe remains vulnerable. The mayor warned that as pressure increases, the line could fail again, possibly leading to a return to strict conservation measures.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” he said. “There is still a real chance that we could see another break… we need you to stay in conservation mode for just a little bit longer.”
Even after the current crisis passes, the city plans to take the feeder main offline again in the spring for further repairs, which will require renewed restrictions.
Water use is still a concern. On Sunday, Calgarians consumed just over 500 million litres, about 20 million litres above the city’s sustainable target of 485 million litres. The city urges residents to reduce consumption by shortening showers, delaying laundry, and skipping unnecessary toilet flushes.
Meanwhile, crews are preparing for potential setbacks. Sections of the flood berm in Bowness have been removed, and a temporary barrier has been installed along a pathway in Parkdale as a precaution.
Roadwork continues near the break site. One eastbound lane on 16 Avenue N.W., east of Sarcee Trail, has reopened, and paving of damaged sections was completed on Sunday. Westbound lanes remain closed as repairs continue.
City officials will provide further updates as water testing progresses and the system moves into the stabilization phase.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Filled | 22 million litres |
| Water Consumption | 500 million litres |
| Sustainable Target | 485 million litres |
| Current Restrictions | Stage 4 |
