2025 Water main break FAQs
General questions
Why are City crews flushing hydrants while restrictions are in place?
You may see crews releasing water from hydrants. This is essential maintenance required to ensure our water quality remains safe for public health.
How do I make a claim for losses related to water restrictions?
If you have experienced a loss due to the restrictions, you can file a claim with the City. Start your claim online or call 311.
Why does it look like there is no work being done at the site?
Work on repairs to the feeder main break is happening around the clock. There are a few different steps that need to be taken to repair the feeder main pipe:
- We needed to excavate to get underground to access the pipe and pump the water out of the hole – DONE
- We are now in the phase where we need to drain all the water out of the pipe. This needs a smaller crew as this occurs – IN PROGRESS
- Crew assesses the damage that has occurred, the extent of the repair required and what the fix would be – NEXT STEP estimated to begin at 5 a.m. Jan 1, 2026.
How does a break like this impact the whole city?
The break occurred in a critical water supply pipe that carries water across the city. This incident impacts water availability across the city because water is unable to move into our feeder system and then into other areas of Calgary.
The Bearspaw South Feeder main has had a wide impact because:
It services an estimated 1.5 million Calgarians, as well as our regional customers living in Airdrie, Chestermere, and Strathmore.
It is 11 kilometres long.
It has the capacity to transfer more than 400 million litres of water.
Why have pipes from 1975 not been replaced?
These pipes can last a long time, as much as 100 years in ideal conditions, 98% of Calgary feedermains, which are critical in our distribution system, are in good or very good condition. This is aligned with the target we have set for our system.
For businesses
Can I use City water for construction or renovation?
No. Using potable (drinking) water for construction activities (such as mixing concrete, stucco, dust suppression or washing surfaces for painting) is not allowed under Stage 4 restrictions.
Note: You may use non-potable water for these activities.
Are car washes allowed to stay open?
Yes. Commercial car washes are allowed to operate. Most indoor car washes recycle around 85 per cent of their water. We encourage drivers to wash their vehicles only when necessary for safety (to keep windows, mirrors and license plates clean).
Can I wash exterior surfaces for health and safety reasons?
Yes. You may wash surfaces like daycare play sets, transit stations or outdoor patios if it is required to remove biohazards or meet health and safety regulations.
Can I remove graffiti?
Using water to remove graffiti is not allowed in Stage 4. You may repaint, dry scrub/sand or use non-water cleaning options.
Are food trucks allowed to operate?
Yes. Food trucks and mobile vendors can use potable water for cooking and handwashing, as this is considered indoor water use necessary for health and safety.
Should backflow testing continue?
Yes. All testing, repair, and maintenance of cross-connection control assemblies must continue. This is critical for protecting public health and water safety.
Can I flood indoor ice surfaces?
Yes. The bylaw does not prohibit flooding indoor rinks. However, we ask that you implement water reduction plans including reducing flooding and timing during off-peak hours.
Can I flood outdoor rinks?
No. At this time, you are not allowed to flood outdoor rinks.
Can indoor pools operate?
Yes. Indoor non-residential pools (such as those in recreation centres) may operate and fill with City water. However, facilities will be asked to implement their specific water conservation plans.
Can I use a hydrant with a meter assembly permit?
No. Hydrant use is prohibited under Stage 4 restrictions, except for essential City flushing or temporary hookups for buildings without water.
For residents
Can I fill my outdoor hot tub?
No. You cannot use City water to fill a private outdoor hot tub. However, if your hot tub is already filled, you may continue to use it.
Can I use my indoor pool or hot tub?
Yes. Restrictions do not apply to personal indoor pools or hot tubs.
Can I wash my windows or driveway?
No. You cannot use City water to wash windows, sidewalks, driveways or exterior building surfaces.
Exception: Washing is only permitted if it is strictly required by health and safety regulations (e.g., cleaning up a biohazard).