The early phases of Calgary’s water main repairs are already underway, according to an Aug. 22 update from the City of Calgary.
Calgary officials announced on Aug. 15 that 21 areas of weakness along the Bearspaw feeder main require attention and repairs due to a rupture two months ago. Repairs will begin on Aug. 28, two days after stage four restrictions come into place.
As a result, Airdrie will also re-enter level four water restrictions on Aug. 26, banning all outdoor water use, and residents and businesses are asked to reduce their water usage by 25 per cent. Level four water restrictions are set for approximately four weeks, according to the City of Airdrie.
Francois Bouchard, Calgary’s director of capital priorities and investment, said the early work includes preparation of the worksites such as painting marks on roadways, consolidating machinery, installing fences and closing roads, as well as sawing up sections of pavement, and eventually excavating the feeder main for access.
“Once all those steps are done, we’ll be moving to the actual repair on the pipes themselves,” he said, asking residents to stay away from worksites.
He then answered questions about the impact of the current rail strike and how it would affect the feeder main repairs. He said Calgary has favourable supply to meet its water chlorination needs and has a healthy existing inventory of chemical supplies used for water treatment.
“The City of Calgary also has multiple contracts with chemical suppliers for its water treatment plant, the City buys the raw ingredients to produce its own chlorine supply on site and these ingredients are delivered by truck,” he said, adding most chemical supplies are produced within the province or stored locally in large quantities. No short term impacts are anticipated.
Beginning Monday, water restrictions will prohibit water use and reduced indoor water use is encouraged.
Bouchard reminded residents to limit laundry to essential and full loads, only running a dishwasher with full loads, limit to three-minute showers, and limit toilet flushing.
“I know how challenging water restrictions have been for everyone, residents, businesses, industries, and our regional partners, especially since we’ve been under some level of restrictions since June 5,” Bouchard said.
