Calgary’s water consumption stays above sustainable levels after a major pipe rupture, with residents urged to conserve as repairs continue
Calgary Water Demand Exceeds Sustainable Levels
Despite requests from the City of Calgary for residents to reduce water use, daily water demand remains above sustainable levels. On Wednesday, Calgarians consumed 507 million litres, which is 22 million litres over the sustainable level of 485 million litres.
Water Supply Issues
The city issued conservation pleas after the rupture of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main on December 30, 2025. This main supplies about 60 percent of the city’s drinking water.
The city expects the pipe to be operational next week. In the meantime, it relies on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, which is operating at nearly three times its normal winter capacity.
Repair Updates
On Thursday, the City of Calgary updated residents via social media. A new segment of pipe has been installed, welding is complete, and backfilling is underway.
An Alberta Emergency Alert was sent earlier this week. It asks residents in surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Strathmore, Chestermere, and the Tsuut’ina Nation, to conserve water.
Conservation Measures
Residents are encouraged to limit showers to three minutes, run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads, and flush toilets only when necessary.
Emergency officials warned that continued high water use could impact essential services, such as firefighting.
Ongoing Repairs
On Wednesday, city crews finished installing a new piece of pipe to replace the ruptured one. However, more work is needed before the pipe can be used.
Even after repairs, the feeder main will operate at reduced capacity to prevent another rupture.
Future Restrictions
Municipal officials indicated that temporary water restrictions may be necessary when there is more runoff available. City crews will continue to work on replacing the entire Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
Independent Report Findings
An independent report on a June 2024 rupture of the same pipe revealed that the city has known about the pipe’s issues for over two decades. The city prioritized spending on other infrastructure instead of repairs to the water system.
Upcoming News Conference
The city has scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. on Thursday to provide updates on water usage and repairs.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 30, 2025 | Pipe Rupture | Bearspaw South Feeder Main ruptured |
| Wednesday | Water Consumption | 507 million litres used, 22 million over sustainable level |
| Thursday | Repair Update | New pipe segment installed, welding complete |
| 1 p.m. Thursday | News Conference | Update on water usage and repairs |
