Demand Graph Social

Calgary water update - Figure 1
Photo City of Calgary Newsroom

CALGARY – Water quality testing for the repaired section of the 16 Avenue N.W. feeder main, meets and exceeds water quality standards, indicating it is safe for consumption. Today’s milestone moves The City past filling, flushing and testing to the most critical step in restoring Calgary’s water system and network - stabilization.

Stabilization is a complex process that doesn’t only focus on the repaired sections of pipe, but means we have to stabilize Calgary’s entire water network,” says Capital Priorities and Infrastructure Director Francois Bouchart. “This step carries the largest amount of risk, and we have contingency plans to ensure we can respond quickly if required.”

Stabilization is a process that will require work in several areas around Calgary over the coming days. The work includes opening valves, flushing and adjusting pumps throughout the system.

“Following the good news that water testing results meet and exceed water quality standards allows our teams have moved onto the next step in the restoration of service,” explains Calgary Emergency Agency Chief Susan Henry. “We are now focused on stabilizing Calgary’s over 5,000 kms of water pipe and the system that supports it. While we’re not quite out of the woods yet, we’re getting closer and will continue keeping Calgarians updated as things progress.”

WATER USE

Saturday’s water use for the Calgary area was 447 million litres, a 26 per cent reduction in water use. We thank Calgarians continuing to practice good water habits to ensure Calgary remains under the safe demand threshold.

Calgarians are taking advantage of our temporary non-potable water pick-up sites. Since Monday, 1,878 people visited and we distributed 2,233 litres of water. This water is not suitable for drinking, it is intended for your gardens and can be picked up free of charge at seven locations. Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations for residential and commercial users.

Hours of operation for residential pick up are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve Calgarians. Commercial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT

To date we have received more than 10,491 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.

We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,971 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 19 violation tickets.

A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 254 fire pit concern calls. There have been 36 written warnings, 110 verbal warnings and we have issued six violation tickets.

As we head into Canada Day, please remember Calgary remains under a fire ban. We’d like to remind Calgarians to not fire or ignite your own fireworks or pyrotechnics. Fireworks are only allowed by permit and on a case-by-case basis, especially important during water restrictions and the accompanying fire ban. Bylaw offenders are subject to fines or prosecution.

ROADS AND MOBILITY

Previously closed sections of the Bow River Pathway that were detoured, and the parking lot at Point McKay north of Edworthy Park and the river near Bowness Road are once again open to the public.

16 Avenue N.W. is open to traffic in both directions, however some paving work is still required. Speed is reduced along certain areas of 16 Avenue N.W. where feeder main repairs were completed, and we’re reminding Calgarians to expect delays when travelling through the area and to pay attention to signage in the area. Paving is expected to be completed later this week.

To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo

To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.

-30-