We expect the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main to be shutdown for approximately 4 weeks to complete the connection of the new pipe into the existing water system.

When water restrictions come into effect, they are implemented city-wide and apply to all residents, businesses and City operations because our water distribution system is interconnected throughout the city.  

Between Calgary’s two water treatment plants, we’ll be able to supply 500 million litres of water per day. 

Under normal conditions, Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant typically supplies 60% of the city and region’s water. But when the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is shutdown, it severely reduces how much water we can consistently supply to Calgary and surrounding region from this plant because this feeder main is one of the primary pipes that carries water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and feeds the distribution system. 

As a result, the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant will be supplying the majority of the city and region’s water, approximately 80%, while the Bearspaw Plant will be able to contribute only 20% through the remaining available distribution infrastructure.  

While the system can handle this occasionally, using more than 500 million litres of water puts added strain on the water system.

This can lead to problems like reduced water supply for firefighting, water treatment plant issues, low water pressure, or the need for a city-wide boil water advisory. 

To support the construction industry during restrictions, The City will provide a river water pick-up station as an alternative water source.

The station will remain open as long as river conditions allow for safe operation.

The location and operating hours will be shared in the coming weeks.

Yes, indoor pools are allowed to operate when water restrictions are in effect. We’re asking these facilities to adjust their operations to conserve water where possible. 

At our City-operated recreation facilities, we're making operational adjustments to reduce water use by: 

• Conducting frequent inspections to identify and repair leaky faucets, showerheads, toilets, water fountains and pool basins. 
• Adjusting cleaning procedures to conserve water. 
• Switching from cloth to disposable paper towels to reduce laundry-related water use. 
• Refraining from refilling kiddie pools and hot tubs once water quality can no longer be maintained within required regulatory limits. 

In advance of water restrictions, we’re completing water intensive cleaning activities, including pool backwashes, cleaning and refilling hot tubs and kiddie pools and ensuring all pools are full. 

Commercial car washes will continue to be allowed to operate, if demand stays low, and are asked to conserve water where they can.

Some 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).

No water restrictions are anticipated during the commissioning phase of the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main in December. 

Outside of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main work, other scenarios outside of The City’s control, including other infrastructure failures or weather-related conditions such as drought or heat waves, may necessitate outdoor water restrictions and/or indoor water conservation as well. We monitor a range of factors, including carefully monitoring our infrastructure and upcoming projects to help ensure a reliable water supply for our growing city, and to guide decisions about whether water restrictions are needed and at what level.  

You can stay up to date on the conditions we’re monitoring on calgary.ca/waterwise.

Once the new pipe is connected into the existing water system there is still important work to be done until it’s operational. This includes commissioning the new pipe in December.  

During this time, we will continue to rely on the existing Bearspaw South Feeder Main, so there’s still a risk of a break. Residents and businesses should be ready for outdoor water restrictions and indoor conservation at any time. 

We will closely monitor flows in the Elbow River and water levels in the Glenmore Reservoir this winter.

If needed, we can shift more water production to the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, reducing demand on the Glenmore Reservoir and helping preserve water supplies until spring runoff replenishes them.

If necessary, we can also reduce flows downstream of the Glenmore Dam, while continuing to maintain environmental flows needed to support the health of the river. These measures would help ensure a reliable water supply throughout the winter.