From Monday, there will be no opportunity to use water due to water restrictions and it is recommended to reduce water consumption indoors.
According to an August 22 update from the City of Calgary, the first phases of repairs to Calgary’s water main are already underway.
Calgary authorities announced on August 15 that 21 weak points along the Bearspaw main line need to be repaired due to a break two months ago. Repairs will begin on August 28, two days after the fourth stage of restrictions goes into effect.
As a result, Stage 4 water restrictions will also be reinstated in Airdrie on August 26, prohibiting any outdoor water use. Residents and businesses are being asked to reduce their water usage by 25 percent. According to the City of Airdrie, Stage 4 water restrictions are set to last for approximately four weeks.
Francois Bouchard, Calgary’s director of capital priorities and investments, said initial work included site preparation, such as applying markings to the roadway, consolidating machinery, putting up fences and road closures, sawing through sections of asphalt and finally digging out the main access line.
“Once all these steps are completed, we can start the actual repair of the pipes,” he said, asking residents to stay away from the construction sites.
He then answered questions about the impact of the current rail strike and how it would affect mainline repairs. He said Calgary has a good supply to meet its water chlorination needs and has an adequate inventory of water treatment chemicals.
“The City of Calgary also has several contracts with chemical suppliers for its water treatment plant. The city purchases the raw materials to make its own chlorine on-site and those ingredients are delivered by truck,” he said, adding that most of the chemicals are manufactured in the province or stored in bulk on-site. No short-term impacts are expected.
From Monday, there will be no opportunity to use water due to water restrictions and it is recommended to reduce water consumption indoors.
Bouchard urged residents to limit their laundry to only essentials and full loads, run the dishwasher only with a full load, limit showers to three minutes and not flush the toilet too often.
“I know how challenging the water restrictions have been for everyone, residents, businesses, industry and our regional partners, especially since we have been under some level of restrictions since June 5,” Bouchard said.
