Update June 28: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

We remain in the filling stage as we reintroduce pressure to the pipe slowly and carefully in preparation for flushing. We anticipate this step to be completed later tonight and flushing of the pipe is expected to commence shortly after.
“As I have said over the last few days this is a risky phase. In the event there is an issue, we have contingency plans in place” says General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Michael Thompson. “We have prepared spare pipe material and it is ready to be installed if needed, equipment remains on site and we have a rapid response plan to ensure staff and contractors can get to the site urgently if required.”
To allow crews to flush the water feeder main and conduct water quality testing, the parking lot at Point McKay near Bowness Road is closed to the public and some sections of the Bow River pathway have detours. The south parking lot will remain open and is accessible from Bow Trail and Edworthy Street S.W. Please use caution and follow signage throughout the area. If you are planning on floating and boating down the river this weekend, please stay off the north shoreline for your safety.
Initially there may be some discolouration and sediment coming out of the pipe during the flushing stage. We are working with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to ensure that we mitigate the environmental impact of the water entering the Bow River. The flushed water will be released through fire hydrants and dechlorinated before reaching the river. This water will then be sampled and tested by Alberta Health Services. Protecting public health and delivering clean, safe drinking water is our priority.
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WATER USE
Thursday’s water use for the Calgary area was 500 million litres, which is the highest it has been since the onset of this emergency. While a small portion of this increase can be attributed to filling the feeder main, it is imperative that we remain under our threshold of 480 million litres so demand does not outstrip supply.
“We are currently in a vulnerable state, if water consumption continues on the current trend-line we’re on, we may be putting lives at risk” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief, Sue Henry. “Hospitals may have water shortages and fires may not be able to be put out. Now is not the time to take our foot off the brake with reducing water consumption. We are asking Calgarians to do their part to make every drop count. We’re all hopeful that the finish line is not far off.”
Our temporary non-potable water pick up sites remain open. We continue to see great interest in our pick up sites, with 1,843 Calgarians having picked up 118,532 litres of river water since Monday. 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 details about locations nearest you and hours of operation.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received 10,079 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or calgary.ca/311 to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,896 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have received zero calls regarding chlorinated water. We have issued 18 violation tickets.
A fire ban remains in effect for The City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 236 calls. There have been 35 written warnings, 98 verbal warnings and we have issued 6 violation tickets.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Paving of 16 Avenue N.W. is substantially complete with the final top two inches set to be paved once the feeder main is in service.
As of noon today, 16 Avenue N.W. has fully reopened to eastbound and westbound traffic. However, the following lane reductions are in place so crews can monitor the pipe for the duration of the filling and flushing process:
2 Lanes on westbound 16 Avenue at 43 Street N.W.
1 Lane on westbound 16 Avenue at 44 Street N.W.
Though the visible repair has wrapped up, it is important Calgarians know that this does not mean that service has been fully restored to the feeder main.
16 Ave NW Road Closure Map - Friday June 28 2024
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
Community street sweeping is expected to resume July 8. Calgarians are reminded to visit calgary.ca/sweep and sign up for e-mail and/or text notifications.
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.