Calgary residents may see a loosening of water restrictions as early as next week, but officials are cautioning that conservation efforts will likely be needed again this spring. The cautious optimism follows the replacement of a critical water feeder main, but comes with a warning that the situation remains fragile.
Repair and Refilling Underway
Michael Thompson, Calgary’s general manager of infrastructure services, announced Saturday that the Bearspaw south feeder main has been replaced. Crews are now working to pump approximately 22 million litres of water – enough to fill nine Olympic-sized swimming pools – back into the seven-kilometre pipe. Following this, the water will undergo quality testing.
Despite the progress, officials stressed the uncertainty of the situation. Mayor Jeromy Farkas stated, “Keep saving water for just a few more days. We’re not out of the woods yet,” adding that this is “the riskiest, most critical moment of the repair.”
Future Restrictions Anticipated
Further work is planned for the spring to reinforce the repaired pipe, which will necessitate a return to water restrictions. Thompson explained that this timing is strategic, as snowmelt will be available to replenish reservoirs. Specific details regarding these future restrictions have not yet been released.
The current plea for conservation began on December 30th, after the Bearspaw south feeder main burst for a second time in roughly a year and a half. A previous rupture in the summer of 2024 led to months of restrictions and a state of emergency declaration.
Water Usage Remains High
Despite the ongoing appeals, Calgarians continue to exceed the city’s daily water usage threshold of 485 million litres. On Friday, residents used 504 million litres, according to Sue Henry, chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency. She reiterated the need for residents to save 25 to 30 litres per person, per day, emphasizing that “every litre saved helps keep water available for our homes, for our hospitals and for emergency response like firefighting.”
Residents may experience temporary changes in water quality as the pipe is refilled, including lower pressure, a chlorine smell, or cloudy water. Thompson assured residents that these changes are normal and should resolve within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When might water restrictions be eased?
Officials are hopeful that they can begin easing current water conservation measures early next week, but this is dependent on the outcome of quality testing and the continued integrity of the repaired pipe.
Why will there be further restrictions in the spring?
Additional reinforcement work is needed on the pipe, and this will require further restrictions on water use. The work is scheduled for the spring to take advantage of available snowmelt to fill reservoirs.
How much water are Calgarians currently using?
Calgarians used 504 million litres of water on Friday, exceeding the city’s target of 485 million litres per day.
Given the ongoing need for vigilance and the planned future work, what long-term solutions do you believe are most critical for ensuring Calgary’s water security?
