Are you ready? Calgary water restrictions return March 9

A stock photo showing the Calgary Tower. (Unsplash/Justin Hu)

Water restrictions return to Calgary next week.

Reinforcement repairs on the Bearpaw South feeder main start Monday.

The feeder main has suffered two catastrophic breaks since June 2024, both prompting long-lasting water restrictions.

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The upcoming work will target up to nine segments of the existing pipe that are experiencing enhanced deterioration.

The reinforcements are intended to support the feeder main until a new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line.

“The pipe needs to be replaced, and we are moving quickly to do that. Construction on the replacement pipe began in January and is on track to be completed this December,” said Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services.

“We know that the existing pipe can break at any time. We will be living with this risk until the new pipe is completed and in service this December.”

The reinforcement work on the Bearpaw South feeder main will take place along 16 Avenue N.W., near Sarcee Trail.

It’s expected to last four weeks.

Water restrictions

During the repair work, Calgary will again be facing water restrictions.

“With the pipe out of service, we are relying primarily on the smaller Glenmore Treatment Plant to supply water to the entire city and to our neighbours in Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Tsuuti’na Nation,” Thompson said.

“Simply put, we will not be able to get as much water as usual from our plants to your taps.”

If demand outpaces the water in storage, it puts our system at risk, Thompson said.

“Our estimates show we will be able to keep up with demand if we can all work together to keep water use at or below 500 million litres of water per day.”

When water restrictions return on March 9, Calgarians will be asked to save 25-30 litres of water a day by taking the following actions:

• Keeping showers short, three minutes or less;
• Flushing toilets only when necessary; and
• Only running dishwashers and washing machines when there is a full load.

Outdoor water use will not be permitted during the four weeks that the repair work is underway.

“I know it’s frustrating to hear that we must once again conserve water, and I understand that for many families this feels like déjà vu,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

“I know some Calgarians will feel frustrated. Some may roll their eyes at another request for conservation – and I understand that. It’s a lot to do, but it’s very small actions that have a huge impact across our city.”

An additional shutdown of the Bearspaw feeder main is planned for the fall, Farkas said.

“Our focus is clear: to get the job done right, to get it done safely and to get it done on schedule.”

During the water main repair work, regular updates will be provided online at Calgary.ca.