Calgary and its water utility partners moved in a promising direction on Tuesday as consumption fell below 500 million litres.
After the second day of Level 4 outdoor water restrictions, citizens have reduced their daily water consumption by another 36 million litres, bringing the total consumption on Tuesday to 497 million litres. The city government has set 450 million litres as the safe limit for maintaining a safe water supply.
“While this is still above our daily target of 450 million litres per day, it is an encouraging sign that people are taking the necessary steps to conserve water,” said Michael Thompson, GM of Infrastructure Services.
While Wednesday’s rains are welcome for a number of reasons, Thompson made it very clear that they do not improve Calgary’s current water situation.
“The situation we face until the end of September has nothing to do with a general lack of water in our rivers, but with our ability to get water from our water treatment plants through the distribution system to your taps,” he said.
“The plants will be grateful for today’s rain. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to collect water from your downspouts and into containers for use over the next few weeks.”
Francois Bouchart, director of capital priorities and investments for the City of Calgary, said three sections of pipe have already been uncovered at two different locations along 33 Avenue NW.
“The rain is not causing any delays because sections of pipe are exposed,” Bouchart said.
“Crews are assessing the condition of the pipe and the suitability of our repair method. We have contingency plans in place in case an alternative repair method is required.”
Bouchart said they are preparing the pipes for encasement in reinforced concrete and reinforced concrete. In a previous press conference, Bouchart estimated that repairs on this latest batch would take about 10 years – or long enough for the City of Calgary to begin implementing a medium- to long-term rehabilitation plan for the Bearspaw Line.
He also said more information on the urgent repairs along 16 Avenue NW would be provided later this week.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support in reducing water consumption,” he said.
“It will continue to be vital that we do our part through to September while the main line is out of service and repairs are being completed.”
