Monday, March 30, 2026
The Bearspaw South Feeder Main in Calgary has reached the final stages of its shutdown as crews continue repairs.
Refilling the pipe began on March 27 and was completed March 29, a City of Calgary release said with water sampling and testing currently underway.
“When test results confirm the water is safe, crews will open valves along the pipe and turn on pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. This is currently planned to start on Tuesday morning (March 31). Once the pumps have started, customers across the system may notice cloudy water. This will be temporary, and the water is still safe to drink,” the release said.
Reinforcement work improved stability in the nine pipe segments in the worst condition, the release said, but the existing feeder main remains in poor condition and at risk of another break.
The risk is higher during pressure changes, including when pumps restart and water flows increase, expected to begin March 31.
Several safety measures are in place in areas closest to the feeder main in case another break occurs.
“In January, we removed two segments of the flood barrier along Montgomery Boulevard N.W. to allow water from a break to flow to the river. We also installed temporary barriers near the Bow River pathway by Parkdale Boulevard N.W., and they remain in place. As we prepare to restart the pumps, we have cleared catch basins and river outflows and made drainage improvements where needed,” the release said.
The feeder main coming out of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant will be inspected from April 9 to 11 using a specialized mechanical tool called a pipe diver.
“The pipe diver will be placed in the pipe and travel through it. Then, our crews will briefly stop water flow to remove the pipe diver from the feeder main. Additional water testing will be required before restarting the pumps. If all goes well, we do not expect water restrictions will be needed,” the release said.
