Calgary could replace the water main that suffered a catastrophic break

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Mayor Jyoti Gondek shared long-term options for Bearspaw’s southern mainline Friday morning – including the possibility of replacing it entirely – after reiterating the city’s immediate plans to remediate more than a dozen at-risk sites along the line.

The city is currently considering adding a liner to the water main in the spring to make it more stable, building a new line next to the main supply line, building additional lines to bring water in from the Bearspaw Wastewater Treatment Plant, and increasing the plant’s capacity in light of population growth.

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Check out the City of Calgary’s update from Friday afternoon here:

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Some of these plans are being developed with the help of a private engineering firm, Gondek said, but did not name the company.

First, the city will reinforce the weakened areas of the main with rebar and concrete. Repair work will begin Aug. 28. The weak spots, which are similar to five other hazards identified in June, were discovered after the city sent a high-tech pipe diver into the main in July.

“So if you consider that we will now coat this pipe with concrete in the short term and also install a lining or sleeve in the medium term – that is our protection against possible cracks, leaks or breaks,” said Gondek.

Most of the repairs, which will last through Sept. 23, will be done along a stretch of 33rd Avenue NW and Parkdale Boulevard. The work will also activate Stage 4 water restrictions, which prohibit the use of sprinklers and garden hoses. The city is also asking residents to reduce their indoor water use by 25 percent.

“It’s not easy to ask you to do this again,” Gondek said.

Watch the mayor’s live stream Friday morning here:

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The power outage will have a direct impact on residents and businesses in Bowness and Montgomery for the duration of the planned work, Gondek said previously. She added Thursday that the city is in conversation with businesses to understand how the repairs would affect them.

However, establishments such as dental clinics, hair salons or pet grooming salons that rely on indoor water supplies will not be affected by the restrictions.

“So we’re going to continue to be mindful of what we’re doing in terms of water use. And I’d ask all of you to think about how you can reduce your indoor water use – whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure,” she added.

“You did a great job in June of finding ways to limit your water use. And I think we can go back to some of those methods.”

In an interview with Global News this morning, the mayor said the city is working with the most affected residents and businesses to see what can be done differently compared to previous repairs to the main service lines.

Gondek said she was in the area Thursday, talking to business owners on 16th Avenue, while 1st District Councilwoman Sonya Sharp was in Bowness and Montgomery, talking to residents.

“There are a lot of emotions at play. It’s about people’s livelihoods, so it’s difficult to monitor their emotions as they grapple with another round of construction,” Gondek told Global.

She said the city government is in discussions with landscapers and other water-dependent businesses to assess the impact of possible changes to restrictions.

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