Officials: Three to five more weeks of restrictions, additional repairs needed

Calgary officials estimate that there will be three to five more weeks of water restrictions after it was discovered that additional emergency repairs must be made to a water feedermain that broke last week.

"Following a further investigation of the city's water feedermain, significant additional damage has been found and other sections of the pipe now also need to be repaired," a city press release stated.

"The City of Calgary has made the prudent decision to fix the locations of concern along the line while the pipe is bare and dry. Fixing the initially identified problem without addressing these other trouble spots carries a high risk of another major rupture and potential impacts on public safety."

City officials explain possible contributing factors that led to the current water feedermain break

Francois Bouchart, Director of Capital Priorities and Investments, said they determined a significant contributing factor to the feeder main break in the city's northwest.

"[It] was the breakage of pre-stressed steel wires. When these wires break in multiple places, it weakens the pipe and can lead to a catastrophic failure, as we are experiencing," he said. "The wires are coiled within an inner layer of concrete pipe. The feedermain is constructed with pipe segments that are 16 feet and the steel wire wraps approximately 350 times - like a slinky around each pipe segment."

The wire is meant to stabilize the pipe and help it manage high water pressures.

"As the pipe ages, it's normal for some of the wires to break without compromising the pipe's integrity. However, it becomes problematic as the number of breaks increases. So far, we have inspected 4.3 kilometres of pipe to see if there are any other issues. We have now received the data that has helped us to get a clearer picture of what we're dealing with. We have discovered five hotspots."

What does this mean for current repairs?

Bouchart said that these five 'hotspots' are southeast of the current break, before the Shaganappi Pump Station, which is located in north Edworthy Park.

"As we saw in our current break when the wires break in multiple places, it weakens the pipe and can lead to a catastrophic pipe failure. The degree of breakage we're seeing in the sections of the pipe requires emergency repair. Our decision is that we repair these locations as quickly and safely and as effectively as we can."

The assessment data shows that the hotspots cannot safely withstand the amount of pressure that is needed to run through the feedermain.

"This means that if we were to complete current repairs and restore the water feedermain now, it would be at high risk of additional catastrophic breaks," Bouchart added.

The next step is to drain an additional 300 meters of pipe that still had water in it.

"We are draining it now and checking to see if there are any additional hotspots that will also need to be fixed immediately. We are working with partners across North America to source the parts we need for an immediate repair. We are committed to getting this done as fast as possible."

'The most dramatic and traumatic break of the feedermain they have ever seen'

Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief, Sue Henry explained that experts have deemed this current water main break as, 'the most dramatic and traumatic break of the feedermain they have ever seen.'

"This pipe is only at the halfway point in its lifecycle. From all accounts, this should not have happened, but it did. We are still working to understand why. We know we can fix the link where the current break is," she said. "We know that the pipe is not safe to bring into service without these repairs. Simply put, we cannot take the chance of further pipe breaks on the long-term sustainability of this pipe."

Henry said that the critical role of the feedermain is essential not only to Calgary but also to surrounding areas like Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere.

"We do not want to be back in the same situation where we are today. Our only choice is to stay the course with our current water restrictions for three to five weeks longer and do these critical repairs now," Henry said. "We are looking at strategies to do these repairs simultaneously and exploring everything we can do to do this faster. We hope to revise this timeline... But we are balancing the availability of resources, the availability of materials and the safety of our team to get this done as fast and as safely as possible."

Henry said she would not underplay the realities of what this means for residents of the cities and towns impacted, especially as summer is days away.

"We know that summer means, events, it means hotter temperatures, outdoor plant life, and recreation. In addition to all of the public safety needs and medical needs, it will take an adjustment from of us to manage this over a longer period."

Risks to other treatment plant?

Henry said there is also a risk to the Glenmore Treatment plant.

"The Glenmore Treatment Plant has been carrying a massive load, trying to supply water to the rest of Calgary without the help of the Bearspaw Treatment Plant. That means there is more risk for the Glenmore plant."

Preparations have begun to bring in what Henry called redundant parts and personnel and equipment on standby.

"...To make sure that we're in a position to address any issues quickly and keep the water supply that we currently have. We essentially want to bubble wrap that Glenmore Treatment Plant, so we keep it safe [and] protected as [much as] possible."

Water restrictions will continue, and businesses are asked to conserve more

Although city officials said that residents must continue to abide by water restrictions and do whatever they can to lower their water consumption, Henry noted that businesses must also address their water use.

"We cannot expect residents alone to be in this situation, and our outreach teams have been in touch with more than 7,000 customers to reduce their water use. Many have and continue to step up in their operations. But if education doesn't work, we will be more directly addressing this in the days to come," she said.

Water Services Director Nancy Mackay said the decision to undertake the repairs now means the Glenmore plant will work at its highest capacity.

"But we need to have to ask for your help. Stage four outdoor watering restrictions remain in place until the feedermain is back in operation. This means that you cannot use water for outdoor purposes," Mackay said. "Over the past several days, we've been working with our large industrial, and commercial customers to ask them to do whatever they can to reduce water. By and large, we've received excellent cooperation with many businesses changing their processes and taking extra steps to save all the water that they can."

However, Mackay said that there have been questions about whether tougher restrictions will be imposed on certain water-using industries.

"With today's situation, we are now contacting some customers to ask them to stop some operations and some activities. If we need - to the city can turn off water to a business if they are not complying with that ask. This would be a last resort."

Mackay restated the need to cut water consumption by 25 per cent.

Impacts on Calgary Stampede?

In response to a question about whether the situation will impact the Calgary Stampede, Henry said that the Calgary Stampede is one of the agency members.

"They're working on contingency plans as we speak and helping understand this news. It's too early to project what will occur," she said.

Are indoor water restrictions possible?

Earlier in the day, Mayor Jyoti Gondek underlined that while there are no current indoor water restrictions, further restrictions may have to be implemented if water consumption does not decrease.

"We are counting on your goodwill to reduce your indoor water use. But, if we cannot do our part by banding together, there may be some restrictions that come into place. We do not know what that looks like. I don't want to get to that stage."

Mayor Gondek was joined by Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown on Friday morning, with both mayors pleading with residents to be mindful of their water usage.

"We want to remind all of our businesses and all of our residents to continue to be vigilant, reduce the amount of water, and take the stress off the system," Mayor Brown said.

He added that he does not want to see a situation in which water pressure is reduced in Airdrie.

"We want to make sure we're doing everything to support Calgary through this process. It comes down to being good neighbours; we need to support our neighbours in Calgary, and we need to support our friends and neighbours and family and Airdrie."

The urgent call for water conservation was echoed in Mayor Gondek's Friday afternoon update, as she underlined that residents' efforts are essential for life-saving measures, including firefighting efforts, hospitals, and schools, to remain open.

"We must do better to use less water: plain and simple. If our water usage continues to trend up and our water supply can't keep pace, our taps will run dry," Mayor Gondek stated. "You and I, we cannot give up on our water conservation efforts. While the two-meter-wide feedermain is being repaired."

Calgary Fire Chief provides a summary of firefighting efforts during this water crisis

Earlier on Friday, Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth spoke about the various strategies the city's fire department is utilizing. He also underlined that while a fire in the community of Woodbine earlier this week consumed 100,000 litres of water, water availability was not an issue. However, he urged residents to conserve water.

"We are urging you to continue to conserve water so that this remains true while the water main repair work continues," he said.

Airdrie's water usage sees an uptick

According to the latest data from The City of Airdrie, since the restrictions were implemented, the city has seen an average drop of 22.1 per cent in water usage. However, yesterday's data showed that water use is increasing.

"Please continue to follow the restrictions to ensure we have enough water for essential needs," The City stated on Friday.

The City also underlines to residents that development activities may continue if non-potable water is used.

"Contractors have been notified that they can bring water from unaffected areas (e.g., Cochrane, Okotoks) with proper documentation. City operations are also using non-potable water."

Previously, Airdrie's water consumption use was recorded to be down an average of 23 per cent since June 5, before the water main break and the outdoor water restrictions were announced. Under level four water restrictions, residents can not:

Water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers by any method other than rainwater.
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.

The City is strongly encouraging voluntary indoor water restrictions, which include:

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 life-sustaining product or service 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.

"There are no boil water advisories in effect within the City of Airdrie, and water remains safe to drink. We thank residents for their cooperation in making temporary sacrifices to ensure that Airdrie and our surrounding communities have water for life-saving purposes," The City added.

Municipal Enforcement warns residents against utilizing storm ponds.

On Thursday, Airdrie officials said that the city's Municipal Enforcement had responded to several complaints regarding residents taking water from storm ponds as the city's level four water restrictions persist.

City officials asked residents to refrain from doing this as it is a safety risk and is not allowed under the city's drainage bylaw.

According to the city's bylaw, 'Storm Drainage must not be diverted, used or re-used for any purpose without written approval from the City Manager and the applicable Provincial and or Federal agencies. '

The bylaw also stipulates that unauthorized use of Storm Drainage can result in fines between $500 to $1,000. Alternatives to taking water from stormwater ponds include:

With rain in the forecast this weekend, collect rainwater in a rain barrel or bucket.
Collect water while your shower is heating up.
Use leftover water from cooking eggs, potatoes, or pasta.

Yesterday, the Alberta Emergency Alert advisory was updated to show that the advisory due to the feedermain break along 16 Avenue Northwest in Calgary is still active.

"... Has impacted the city's water supply. 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 alert stated on Thursday morning.

A fire ban remains in effect for The City of Calgary and Airdrie. However, after consulting with the construction industry, the Calgary Fire Department is now permitting certain lower-risk hot work activities for roofing (restrictions on this work apply, and work using open flames is prohibited).

All Calgary City-operated aquatic fitness facilities and leisure centres, including weight rooms, are open. North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres are also open. Swimming pools, arenas, water parks, and showers remain closed. Airdrie's Genesis Place pool will remain closed over the weekend.

Detours are in place as 16 Avenue remains closed at Home Road Northwest.

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