Calgary city officials have said that the acoustic monitoring that is meant to detect any issues in the Bearspaw water feeder main detected one additional wire snap on Monday morning, bringing the total number of wire snaps to four. However, officials stressed that the snap was detected before another pump was activated at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant.

"We have not detected any snaps since the pump was turned on. If this changes, it could affect our ability to move to Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions and beyond," a City of Calgary news release stated.

The City stated that the activation of the additional pump will help to increase water flow through the pipe.

"Until recently, water flow through the pipe was at about 55 per cent of its maximum capacity, limiting our supply. To address this, we needed to increase water flow through the pipe, which also increases pressure and can potentially damage the pipe walls."

The City added that thus far, the process has been successful, with water flow increasing steadily and no issues detected in the pipe.

"This progress is encouraging as we aim to stabilize the pipe at 70 per cent water flow and if things continue smoothly, we could move to Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions by Thursday, July 18. If the pipe and our system remain stable over the next two days, we will be on track to move to Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions by Thursday."

However, if any stress on the pipe is detected, or other damage is detected before then, officials said the process will stop. 

"While we fixed five "hot spots" requiring emergency repair, we know there are other areas of structural weakness that need medium-to-long-term solutions. Our priority was to fix the hot spots first as they were critical in being able to restore normal indoor water use and allow as much outdoor water use as possible."

On Monday, the city's water use was 558 million litres, which is an increase from Sunday but still within manageable limits.

"With more heat in the forecast, we expect that water use will rise alongside temperatures. Although our goal is to reduce Outdoor Water Restrictions, for now, we remain in Stage 3. This means watering by hand with a can or other container is required, except in specific circumstances like watering new grass or sod."

Residents are advised that the best times to water are early morning or late at night to minimize evaporation and reap the biggest benefits for plants. 

"If we can move to Stage 2 Outdoor Water Restrictions, it will allow activities such as using a sprinkler for up to 1 hour per week and using hoses with spray nozzles."

Airdrie is currently under level three water restrictions. 

Under the current restrictions, sprinklers and watering with a hose, filling fountains and other decorative features, as well as using water after applying pesticides or fertilizer are not permitted. However, watering with a handheld container like a watering can is permitted.

"Under our Level 3 Water Restrictions, the City of Airdrie allows for the filling of recreational water bodies, including hot tubs swimming and wading pools with the issuance of a Water Use Exception Permit. Given the prevailing weather conditions and to align our requirements with those of the City of Calgary and regional partners, we have decided to waive this requirement until further notice," The City of Airdrie stated on its website on July 11.

Yesterday, the City of Airdrie added that as The City of Calgary turns on an additional pump at the Bearspaw Reservoir, residents may notice some increased turbidity.

"Rest assured, your drinking water remains safe and exceeds safety standards. We are closely monitoring the situation and have a plan in place to manage it."

Under level three water restrictions in Airdrie's waterworks bylaw, municipal and school fields may be watered one day a week. 

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