The problem section of Calgary’s burst water main is currently being repaired, but that doesn’t mean water supply worries will end anytime soon.
During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, city officials continued to urge citizens to limit their water consumption.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek commented on the pipe burst during the city’s regular situation report on Wednesday, saying the city’s water consumption increased on Tuesday compared to the previous day.
“Preliminary figures show that water consumption yesterday was 480 million liters, which is slightly more than the previous day,” said Gondek.
“But we want to try to maintain the limit. It is also 100 million litres below our average for this time of year.”
Gondek said the repair plan consists of three main phases:
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Install the new replacement pipe. This will take approximately two days.
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Flush the main supply and remove any remaining water and debris. This may take up to three days.
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Fill the pipe and prepare the city’s network for water to flow again. This will take about two days.
Officials said Calgary residents should expect water supply restrictions to continue until the middle of next week.
Nancy Mackay, director of water services for the city of Calgary, said Wednesday that crews have now inspected 1.8 kilometres of the remaining pipeline.
The section of pipe to be replaced is approximately seven meters long (23.5 feet).
Surrounding cities are being asked to save water from Calgary
Calgary residents aren’t the only ones being asked to limit their use.
The City of Airdrie, along with Strathmore and Chestermere, is one of the communities that utilizes Calgary’s water supply.
Since the water main burst, Airdrie’s 100 largest water users have been contacted and asked to reduce their consumption, Mayor Peter Brown said.
“Everyone has been great so far,” Brown said in an interview at the Calgary Eye Opener on Wednesday.
LISTEN | Airdrie Mayor talks about water conservation and working with Calgary:
Brown said his community is under a Level 4 water restriction, so outdoor watering is limited and residents are asked to be cautious about using water indoors. Calgary has similar restrictions.
He said Airdrie is almost halfway through a 20-year water distribution agreement with the City of Calgary.
“This is not over yet,” he said. “They have some great people working diligently to fix the problem.”
