Update September 18: Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs
Yesterday, we started filling the feeder main as the first step in bringing it back into service. While we do not expect any widespread impacts in water pressure during this process, there may be a few homes that experience a minimal drop in pressure as we release water through fire hydrants. These homeowners have already been notified.
Based on our progress to date, we remain on track to lift water restrictions sometime this weekend.
When we lifted water restrictions in July, we took a phased approach, starting with a return to indoor water use and gradually moving through the stages of outdoor water restrictions. We took this approach because we knew there were still areas of concern in the pipe and needed to move carefully.
This time, once repairs are complete and the feeder main is fully back in service, we can lift all water restrictions. However, we will ask that Calgarians ease back into their regular water use indoors by doing things like spreading out your laundry so as not to overload the system.
Fill test stabilize
Water use
Yesterday’s water use was 500 million litres, which includes the approximately 7 million litres we used to start filling the feeder main. This water came from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and is over and above what is already being supplied to our water distribution system.
Demand Graph 2024-09-18
Construction update
We continue to progress with the final stages of our construction.
24-0041337 - CRV-31507 - EMCS FMBRR Phase 2 - Work Area Map DTB_Site 2-3-4-6-7-8_1440x1080_for AVAIL Sept 17
Today, gravel is being laid at Sites 1 and 5 along 33 Avenue N.W. in preparation for paving, and yesterday, 33 Avenue N.W. east of 83 Street N.W. reopened.
Along 16 Avenue N.W., the 24/7 localized lane closures have been lifted, and intermittent lane closures are in place as needed.
Next steps
As we approach the end of this work, we know that Calgarians want to know what comes next.
The latest repairs focused on critical segments of the feeder main that were in poor condition and needed urgent repairs. Now that the repairs are complete, we have significantly reduced our risk of another catastrophic break.
As we mentioned in August, we still have two smaller sections of pipe to repair in October and November along Memorial Drive in Parkdale. These repairs are much smaller in scope and won’t require city-wide water restrictions because we can isolate these sections while keeping the feeder main running. We are finalizing our plans and will share more details of this work in the coming weeks.
Additionally, we’re expecting a detailed forensics report by the end of October from our consultants, which will provide a full analysis of the pipe’s condition, including the results from our PipeDiver inspection.
We’ll also be receiving a report from our consultants in the coming weeks with recommendations to support our medium to long-term planning for the pipe. Once we've reviewed these recommendations and factored in our own lessons learned, we will share next steps.
These reports are separate from the independent, third-party review of the feeder main break, which is ongoing.
With less than a week to go, we're so close to the end and we are asking everyone to keep up their water saving efforts until the feeder main is back in service. Your efforts make a big difference as we work to ensure a reliable water system for everyone. For the latest updates, water saving tips and to sign up to receive email updates about construction, visit calgary.ca/savewater.