Calgary officials update on feeder main break repair progress

On Sunday, City of Calgary officials offered another update on repair efforts on the feeder main break near 16 Avenue Northwest.

According to a city release, today, crews succeeded in cutting into the pipe so the damaged portion can be removed. The pipe will be prepped for repair while completing many technical tests to understand what other work is needed.

"This is a very critical stage and will take some time to complete. Today, a section of pipe was removed near the break, and this is the first step to remove the compromised sections of the pipe which we aim to complete by the end of the day," a city release stated.

After the assessment is complete and the crew has all the parts we need to complete the repair, crews will start installing the new section and completing the welding. Some repair work can continue to proceed concurrently with the condition assessment.

"We have a strong team committed to repairing this feeder main break as soon as possible so that we can once again provide a reliable, safe and secure source of water to all Calgarians and our regional customers," said Water Services Director Nancy Mackay. "We are working around the clock to make this happen."

MacKay added that city crews, engineers and team members are working around the clock to get this work done.

"The ability to get water to all communities at this time has been severely compromised due to this pipe break. Calgarians are making a difference by saving water and allowing our reservoirs to replenish during this critical time. Since the beginning of the event, we’ve seen a 27 per cent drop in water consumption," the city release added. "Without this continued effort, we are at risk of running out of water."

The Glenmore Water Treatment plant is working overtime as the entire pipe network is connected and more water usage in one area means less in another.

"We are pumping at capacity and will continue to monitor our reservoir levels to ensure water access across the city."

Earlier on Sunday, The City of Calgary posted on its social media that on June 8, water consumption registered at 440 Megalitres (one Megaltire = one million litres). This is down 9 per cent from June 7.

"We have been very thankful for how citizens have stepped up to save water. Your efforts have improved every day and are reflected in how our reservoirs have been able to replenish. I want to thank you again for your efforts," said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry underlined that the city's residents are not alone in their efforts.

"The City is also working to reduce our water usage. Some of the ways we are conserving water include closing wash bays for City vehicles, closing swimming pools and arenas, and turning the taps off for decorative water features and fountains. We’ve paused our street sweeping to avoid washing the streets for now."

The boil water advisory remains in effect for residents and businesses in Bowness. Road closures remain in place near 16 Avenue Northwest and Home Road, and commuters are advised to avoid the area as significant delays are expected.

On Sunday, The Alberta Emergency Alert system stated that due to the water feedermain break along 16 Avenue Northwest in Calgary, supply levels remain in a critical state, affecting the city's ability to provide water to communities and ensure adequate water is available to support emergency fire suppression.

"This alert remains in effect for all communities on Calgary's water supply, including Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere," the advisory stated at 8:19 a.m. Sunday.

The City of Airdrie has also provided an update as of 11 a.m. on Sunday, stating that water use has decreased since restrictions were put in place on June 6, but there remains a risk demand could outstrip supply if water use increases.

"Businesses and residents are strongly encouraged to continue to voluntarily reduce indoor water usage and to only utilize water for essential needs. Airdrie’s top 100 water users have been contacted and asked for a voluntary reduction in usage."

The City has asked residents to report any violations to 403-948-8888.

"Development activities may continue if using non-potable water. Contractors have been notified that they can bring water from unaffected areas (Cochrane, Okotoks) with proper documentation. City pools and arenas continue to remain closed until further notice."

Airdrie continues to be under level four water restrictions and a fire ban. During level four outdoor water restrictions, Airdrie residents are asked to not:

Water lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs by any method.
Wash down any outdoor surfaces, including exterior building surfaces, windows, sidewalks, driveways, or walkways of any sort unless your business requires them to for health and safety reasons.
Wash cars on driveways or streets.
Fill outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.
Use potable water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction, or dust control

There are no boil water advisories in effect within the City of Airdrie and water remains safe to drink.

"To ensure we share the water currently available, we are asking Airdrie residents to immediately restrict indoor water use by taking the following voluntary actions:"

Use dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
Limit showers to five minutes or less and keep baths shallow.
Scrape plates clean rather than rinsing food off.
Turn off humidifiers and ice machines, delay washing vehicles,
Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to reduce water use.
Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life-sustaining for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.

The main break occurred on Wednesday evening, and on Thursday morning an Alberta Emergency alert was issued, alerting residents of a water supply alert. The alert advisory remains in effect for all communities on Calgary's water supply, including Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere.

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