CALGARY – Since reintroducing the feeder main into service, Calgary officials have been carefully monitoring its performance and moving cautiously to make sure the city’s water supply can meet demand at each step of the way.
This cautious approach proved beneficial as last night as some issues arose at both the Glenmore and Bearspaw Water Treatment Plants, including pumps at water intakes.
The City believe these issues are related to the current heat, and while they are not major, they will require investigation and maintenance. While the maintenance is completed it may impact the amount of water the City is able to supply. In addition, with hotter than anticipated temperatures this week, water demand is expected to remain high.
Officials say they had hoped to be able to move to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions today, but have decided to remain at Stage 2 for now.
Modelling indicates that they can still meet Stage 2 demand but may not be able to meet the increased demand if they move to Stage 1, which allows for two hours of sprinkler use each week instead of one.
Officials say they understand the eagerness to ease Outdoor Water Restrictions, but it is important to continue to move cautiously to make sure there is enough supply. Officials will reassess whether they are ready to lower Outdoor Water Restrictions by mid-week once we have more information.
Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions
Yesterday, Calgary’s water use was 648 million litres, which aligns with our forecasts under Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions and the current heatwave.
As a reminder, Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions allow for use of a sprinkler for up to one hour a week, on a set schedule among other things.
- House numbers ending with an even number can use a sprinkler Wednesday or Saturday
- House numbers ending with an odd number can use a sprinkler Thursday or Sunday
- Sprinkler use is recommended in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation during the hottest part of the day.
The following is allowed at any time:
- Watering with a hose that has a trigger spray nozzle or drip irrigation
- Hand watering using a watering can or other container
- Watering new grass with a sprinkler or irrigation system
- Water use for pesticide or fertilizer application
The following is not allowed at any time:
- Outdoor washing of cars, windows, exterior building surfaces, sidewalks, driveways or walkways. Note: manual window washing by certified companies is allowed, other window washing is not.
- Filling fountains or other decorative features, except for bird baths
These restrictions continue to apply to all customers who use City water. This includes all Calgary residences, businesses and City operations.
Bowness water main break repaired
Yesterday afternoon repairs were completed on the water main break in the 5100 block of Bowness Road N.W. and water has now been restored to affected businesses and residents.
The incident was not directly related to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main and was on a smaller 10-inch cast iron pipe nearby.
The road has partially reopened as of last night and is expected to fully reopen by tomorrow. Please continue to drive carefully in the area and obey detour signs.
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