Despite temperatures nearing 30 degrees this weekend, water consumption has trended downwards. City of Airdrie officials stated on Saturday that over the past week, water consumption averaged 27 per cent less than before outdoor water restrictions were implemented.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that on Saturday water consumption was down from the day before, at 451 million litres of water.
"That's well below the threshold and it's also a lower number than the previous three days. I know it means a lot to the fire department, and to the folks in hospitals and care facilities who rely on a safe supply of water," Mayor Gondek said on Sunday.
She also added that the July 5 deadline, which was previously given as the day that the repairs would be completed is still within sight. Officials also announced the opening of 16 Avenue.
"The work done on the original site of the water feeder main break that was completed earlier this week has allowed us to repave the road. Our final inspection yesterday showed no signs of damage and we are pleased to announce that the section of 16 Avenue Northwest between Home Road and 49 Street Northwest is open," said Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Acting Chief Coby Duerr
Duerr also announced that The City of Calgary has now opened other non-potable water sites for residents. The sites include:
- West Baker Park boat launch
- Ogden boat launch
- Bishop O'Byrne Senior High School
- The Genesis Center,
- Ambrose University
- Spy Hill landfill
City of Calgary Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson said repair progress on the five hotspots is continuing, adding that a location where a section of damaged pipe was not removed was reinforced.
"The reinforcing steel was installed Friday and Saturday, the concrete placement was completed yesterday evening. We're now curing the concrete before removing the forms and backfilling in that section. Installation of the adapters and the associated welding of the adapters is nearing completion."
The new segments of pipe will start to arrive at the site today and welding of the new segments of steel pipe to the adapters should start later today.
Airdrie offers non-potable water to residents
The City of Airdrie announced on Friday that it has set up non-potable water tanks for watering plants, flowers and gardens at the Airdrie Recycle Depot.
On Saturday, The City stated that Non-potable water from the tanks at the Recycle Depot will now be accessible during and outside depot hours via a connected hose placed outside the fence.
With weekend temperatures expected to be in the mid-20s, The City has said that the non-potable water station is meant to help residents with their gardening needs.
Residents are asked to bring their own buckets—up to five gallons—and fill them using the hose attached to the tanks. The non-potable water is for residential use only.
"This water is for plants, flower and garden use only. It is not safe for drinking or household use," The City underlined.
It also added that city crews will be doing some dust suppression and street sweeping work this weekend to maintain community safety. However, the water used for this is trucked in from other communities.
"Our community’s efforts to reduce water usage are paying off. Yesterday, June 20, we saw a 26 per cent drop in water usage compared to normal levels before the outdoor water restrictions," city officials added.
Airdrie's Recycle Depot is located at 21 East Lake Hill. The Depot is open Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Airdrie and Calgary remain under water restrictions and fire ban
Airdrie and Calgary remain under water restrictions and a fire ban. Genesis Place pool and aquatics facilities will remain closed until and including July 1.
"Ice-arena activities resumed over the weekend. The water used to maintain the City’s ice arenas is being supplied from sources outside the Calgary water main break impacted region via a water truck," officials added.
Under level four water restrictions, all outdoor water use is temporarily banned, and indoor water conservation is strongly encouraged. Under level four water restrictions, residents cannot:
- Water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs and flowers by any method other than rain water.
- 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.
No boil water advisories are 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 asked to reduce water use.
- Businesses that use water to deliver a life-sustaining product or service for people and animals are exempt. Other exemptions include businesses using water to meet health code standards, such as health centres and restaurants.
"The fire ban will remain in effect until repairs to the broken water main pipe in Calgary are made and normal water consumption can resume," The City stated on June 6.
An Alberta Emergency Alert advisory remains in place for Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, and Chestermere.
"... 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."
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Fri, Jun 28, 10:30 AM
Full-time, Permanent, Labour