30 Bowness homes without water amid watermain repairs

City crews have been forced to shut off water services to dozens of Calgary homes as part of water main repairs.

Dozens of homes in Calgary’s Bowness community will be without water on Wednesday as crews continue work on the Bearspaw South feeder main.

The City of Calgary says approximately 30 homes and one business near 33 Avenue and 48 Avenue N.W. are affected.

The Shane Homes Soccer West Soccer Dome across the river will also be without water.

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To help residents during the shutdown, multiple water wagons are being brought into the area.

City officials say the temporary water disruption will allow crews to drain the feeder main and enter it for inspection.

In a news release, city officials said water usage remains in “unsustainable” territory.

On Monday, 514 million litres were used, above the target of 485 million litres.

“Calgary’s water system is under significant strain,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry.

“If we experience an unexpected event our current consumption levels leave little room to respond. We are reminding Calgarians and our regional partners to help use less water.”

Steady progress on repairs

In a social media post, Mayor Jeromy Farkas said crews are actively investigating the feeder main as part of broader efforts to stabilize Calgary’s water system.

The inspection is focused on the condition of the pipe near the location of the recent break, information Farkas says will help guide future repair work.

The city also confirmed the new section of pipe needed to repair the damaged line was delivered to the site on Monday.

A single eastbound lane of 16 Avenue east of Sarcee Trail N.W. is open and drivers can also access eastbound 16 Avenue from Sarcee Trail.

The westbound lanes of 16 Avenue between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail N.W. remain closed.