Critical water main break

• We are currently in Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions.  
• In early June, while repairs were being completed to the initial break on the feeder main, we used a robotic device to scan approximately 4.3 kilometres of the pipe that was drained of water.  
• This scan identified five “hot spots” – segments of the pipe that needed urgent repair before we could refill them with water.  
• In late June, after the repairs were made and the pipe was brought back into service, we used another device called a PipeDiver, to scan the entire length of the feeder main, including approximately six kilometres that had not been scanned initially.  
• At the end of July, we began receiving results from the PipeDiver scan.  
• After analyzing these results, we now know that there are several other segments of the pipe that cannot wait for a medium or long-term plan.  
• As a result, we need to make urgent repairs to these segments to address the risk of another unexpected break.

• We will be conducting repairs on 21 pipe segments on 33 Ave. and 16 Ave. N.W. This will result in 16 to 18 ‘dig’ sites. There will then be an additional 2 pipe segment repairs on Parkdale Blvd and near Crowchild Trail. Please note this may change as work evolves.
• Of the 21 pipe segments being repaired, 13 are located along 33 Avenue N.W., meaning residents here will not only experience the city-wide water restrictions but also the direct effects of construction work on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. While this work is essential, we understand that many Calgarians are concerned about how construction along 33 Avenue N.W. might impact their properties. 
• Our teams are working hard to finalize construction plans and assess the impact on properties and street access along 33 Avenue N.W. Typically, projects like this involve three to six months of planning, but we are compressing this process into two weeks to address concerns as quickly as possible.  
  
• We’ve been working on plans to minimize the impact to the businesses in the Montgomery Business Improvement Area along 16th Avenue N.W. and for 33 Avenue N.W. This time, we're able to apply lessons learned from earlier construction phases to improve detours and access. Based on our initial assessment, we don’t expect to close any driveways, and customers will still have access to businesses in these areas. More detailed plans will be shared later this week.
  
• Repairs will take place in two phases - the first from August 26 until late September.
• In order to conduct these urgent repairs, we will need to again shut down the Bearspaw South Feeder Main and stop the flow of water through it. 
• Once these repairs are completed, we will start the additional two pipe segment repairs on Parkdale Blvd. between 26 and 27 St. N.W. and near Broadview Road and Crowchild Trail.

• Starting today, crews will begin sawing into sections of pavement on 33 Avenue N.W. This is the first step in the excavation process to expose the feeder main. On August 26, the actual removal of road sections will begin. 
• Next, we are working on safety measures, including where to place fencing and how to ensure residents can access their homes safely as we know that many don’t have a laneway behind them. At the same time, we are planning for where the road closures and detours will be to provide space for all our equipment and other logistics. 
  
• We're also planning for waste and recycling services, emergency responses and contingency plans for any unexpected water service disruptions. A pop-up session will be organized this week for residents directly affected by the construction, with details to be shared soon.
  

During the repair period from August 26 to the end of September, we will need to once again ask Calgarians to take steps to conserve water to make sure we have enough for urgent needs. This will include: 

• A return to Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions, meaning no outdoor use of potable water.
• We will be asking residents to take three specific actions:
• Limit showers to three minutes
• Skip flushes when you can
• Only wash full loads of dishes and laundry. 
• Businesses use water in different ways, so we will again be asking them to find ways to aim for a 25 per cent reduction in daily water during the period of the closure. We do not intend to close car washes, indoor pools, or other businesses during this time.

If we don't reduce our water usage and demand exceeds what the system can produce, the underground storage reservoirs will eventually run dry, leading to a drop in water pressure. Adequate water pressure is crucial for keeping the water safe. Without it, contaminants can enter the system, potentially resulting in a boil water advisory for areas served by the depleted underground reservoir.

A city-wide boil advisory is possible if multiple underground reservoirs are depleted. Refilling them wouldn’t immediately solve the problem, as the system would need to be flushed to remove any contaminants. This process requires a large amount of treated water. At this time of year, flows on the Elbow River naturally start to decrease and we rely on water stored in the Glenmore Reservoir to help us get through winter. If a boil water advisory were to occur, it could last several months until enough water is available in the spring to safely flush and clean the system. 

This scenario highlights the importance of Calgarians working together to keep water usage within the safe production limit during the repair period.  

We know how challenging the 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. We appreciate your understanding and support as we undertake these critical repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.