Calgary Advances Restoration of Bearspaw Feeder Main
The City of Calgary is progressing towards restoring the Bearspaw feeder main to operational status. The activation of the final pump supplying water to this essential system is scheduled for Friday morning. If the system operates smoothly for the next 24 hours, water restrictions may be lifted.
Current Status of the Bearspaw Feeder Main Restoration
Michael Thompson, General Manager of Infrastructure Services for Calgary, emphasized the careful approach in reintegrating flow into the pipe. He noted that returning the Bearspaw south feeder main to service is a complex, phased undertaking. So far, two phases of this process have been completed.
Background on the Water Supply Situation
The rupture of the feeder main occurred 17 days ago, disrupting the supply of about 60 percent of Calgary’s drinking water. Since the incident, the city has depended heavily on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, which has been supplying three times its usual amount of water. During this period, Calgarians used 501 million liters of water recently, exceeding the city’s sustainable target of 485 million liters.
Community Conservation Efforts
Calgary Emergency Management chief Sue Henry urged residents to continue conserving water to ensure the Glenmore Reservoir can sustain adequate supplies through the winter. Despite the ongoing challenges, every effort to reduce water consumption significantly impacts reservoir levels.
Increased City Presence Around the Feeder Main
In the vicinity of the feeder main break, residents can expect to see more city personnel. This includes city workers, firefighters, police officers, peace officers, and utility staff, prepared for any potential emergencies as the system is brought back online.
- Activation of the final pump on Friday morning.
- Water restrictions may be lifted after 24 hours of stable operation.
- The feeder main rupture has led to a dependence on alternative water sources.
- The city encourages ongoing water conservation efforts from residents.
As the situation unfolds, the City of Calgary remains committed to restoring the Bearspaw feeder main and ensuring a reliable water supply for its residents.
