Water Update, March 10: Stage 4 Water Restrictions

As of yesterday, March 9, The Bearspaw South Feeder Main is now out of service to allow for critical reinforcement work that is expected to last approximately four weeks. During this period, Calgary’s water system will not be able to supply normal water levels, which affects Calgary as well as Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Tsuut’ina Nation.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions are now in effect, and residents and businesses are also being asked to reduce indoor water use. These measures are necessary to protect the city’s water supply while this work is underway.

Why water conservation matters right now

While the feeder main is out of service, the City’s goal is to keep daily water use below 500 million litres. Staying under this threshold allows the system to safely meet demand while repairs are completed.

Small changes, when made by many people, can have a significant impact. Saving approximately 25 litres of water per person per day helps stabilize the system. Simple steps include:

• Flushing toilets only when needed. Each skipped flush saves nearly five litres of water.
• Keeping showers to three minutes. Each minute less saves about seven litres of water.
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full. A dishwasher uses about 28 litres per cycle, and a front‑load washing machine uses approximately 62 litres.

When everyone participates, these everyday actions help protect our shared water supply.

What businesses and organizations can do

Businesses and organizations across the region are also being asked to conserve water. Many have already adjusted operations and reminded staff and customers about current restrictions.

The City is encouraging businesses to:

• Review operations for unnecessary water use
• Fix leaks and adjust processes where possible
• Share water‑saving expectations with staff and customers

Resources and practical tips for businesses are available at Business water saving tips to help reduce water use without compromising safety or service.

What is happening on the ground

Crews have adjusted how water moves through Calgary’s drinking water system and are working around the clock to deliver water safely and reliably while the feeder main is out of service.

As part of the shutdown:

• Pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant have been shut down
• Valves have been closed to isolate the feeder main
• Water is being drained from the pipe

Once the pipe is fully depressurized, crews will begin excavation. Work is expected to start immediately, with crews reinforcing the pipe using a steel cage and concrete casing. Construction will take place at three sites at the same time.

Over the next four weeks, nine sections of pipe will be reinforced, including six sections along 16 Avenue N.W. near Sarcee Trail and three sections at Point McKay Park. Additional feeder main work will also be completed during this period.

Residents may notice water draining near construction areas, increased operational activity, and crews working at manholes and access points in Edworthy Park and the communities of Bowness, Montgomery, and Parkdale. These are normal and necessary parts of the process. Please be respectful of crews as they carry out this work as safely and efficiently as possible.

Traffic impacts to expect

Several traffic changes are currently in place:

• Lane reductions are in place on 16 Avenue N.W. near the Sarcee Trail interchange, with one lane open in each direction.
• The exit ramp from 16 Avenue N.W. onto Sarcee Trail and the exit off Sarcee Trail onto westbound 16 Avenue N.W. are both closed.
• 16 Avenue westbound remains open but changed lane patterns will cause traffic to move slowly.

Drivers heading west on 16 Avenue N.W. are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time.

Community support and in‑person help

To support residents affected by this work, the City has opened a Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association.

The centre is open:

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

City staff are available on site to answer questions, listen to concerns, and help connect residents to City services, community resources, and social supports. This includes assistance for those impacted by construction and other disruptions.

Stay informed and help spread the word

By working together and keeping conservation top of mind, we can protect Calgary’s water system while this critical work is underway.

For the most up‑to‑date information, water‑saving tips, and resources, visit calgary.ca/savewater.

More details on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main project are available at calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain.