CALGARY – Repair work continues to progress on the water feeder main hotspots and installation of new pipe sections has begun. We are replacing four out of five of the hotspots.
In the one instance where we’re not removing the damaged pipe, the existing pipe will be reinforced instead. This weekend we installed the reinforcing steel and poured the concrete. Now, we’re letting the concrete cure before removing the formwork and backfilling the repair later this week.
Welding at the other four hotspots is going well. We’re almost done installing and welding the adaptors. New steel pipe segments are arriving today, and we should begin welding them to the adaptors by the end of the day.
The work done on the original site of the water feeder main break was completed earlier this week and has allowed us to re-pave the road. Our final inspection yesterday showed no sign of damage and we are pleased to announce that the section of 16 Avenue N.W. between Home Road and 49 Street N.W. will reopen to traffic in time for your commute tomorrow, June 24.
Non-potable options now available for Calgarians too.
Two commercial pick up sites for non-potable river water were opened for use on Friday, one at West Baker Park and the other in Ogden, for businesses doing work that requires dust control, compacting of dirt or gravel surfaces and establishing new landscaping projects. These businesses picked up approximately 336,280 litres from both sites as of Sunday.
As of noon today, we have expanded our program to make non-potable river water available to all Calgarians. It can be picked up free of charge at the following locations:
- Ogden boat launch
- West Baker Park boat launch
- Bishop O’Bryne High School
- The Genesis Centre
- Ambrose University
- Spy Hill Landfill
This water can be used for garden vegetables, flowers, outdoor and indoor plants. Please wash your vegetables thoroughly before consuming. This water can also be used for handwashing, if it is boiled for one minute, and cleaning, but not for surfaces or dishes in contact with food.
You must bring your own container to hold the water so choose your container wisely. Water is heavy and our City staff are not permitted to load containers into your vehicle for safety reasons. To ensure there is a fair opportunity for all Calgarians, you can take up to 25 gallons or 100 litres of water.
The City is looking to expand this program to include additional locations. More details will come in the next couple of days. Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations, as they become available, and hours of operation.
We are reminding all Calgarians that the water pumped from the river is non-potable and not safe for drinking.
WATER USE
Saturday’s water use for the Calgary area was 451 million litres, which is the lowest it has been in three days. Calgarians were able to keep their water usage at 25 per cent below typical use despite the hot weather. Thank you Calgary for stepping up and doing your part, the water you are saving leaves enough for critical uses like firefighting and hospitals.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 8,684 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,528 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 15 violation tickets.
A fire ban remains in effect for The City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 196 calls. There have been 20 written warnings, 78 verbal warnings and we have issued five violation tickets.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Access to all businesses in the area is currently being maintained and Bowness and Montgomery businesses are open. We encourage you to shop locally and where possible, plan your route ahead of time to account for any delays.
The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:
- Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue N.W. from 49 Street N.W. to Home Road is closed and will reopen in time for your commute tomorrow, June 24. Eastbound lanes are open.
- 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 46 Street N.W. and 45 Street N.W.
- 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 43 Street N.W. to Bowness Road N.W.
- East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Road. Expect delays.
- Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.
https://newsroom.calgary.ca/update-june-23-critical-water-main-break-affecting-city-wide-water-usage/
