Calgarians are being asked to conserve water as crews begin connecting the replacement Bearspaw South feeder main to the city’s water system. As of Wednesday, Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions are now in effect, with residents and businesses also being asked to reduce indoor consumption. The city is urging people to take three-minute showers, run only full loads of laundry and dishes, and avoid unnecessary toilet flushing. The goal is to keep daily water consumption below 500 million litres while the existing feeder main is shut down. “We need to ask for your help one more time to get us through this home stretch,” said Michael Thompson, the city’s water utility chief operating officer, during a Nov. 2 news conference. About 20 crews are expected to work simultaneously on the project, including connecting the new pipe, restoring roads and sidewalks, and replacing six sections of the existing feeder main. Mayor Jeromy Farkas acknowledged the frustration surrounding another round of restrictions earlier in the week. “I know that there is frustration. I know that there is fatigue, and frankly, I share it too,” Farkas said. The city expects the restrictions to last about four weeks, with the replacement feeder main scheduled to be operating by the end of December.
