Update June 25: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

Repair work on the feeder main break near 16 Avenue N.W. and Home Road is entering a final critical phase as City crews work restoring the water line back into service.

Today we started backfilling the worksite holes and then will begin repaving the site along 16th Avenue N.W. as quickly as possible.

The necessary steps required to refill the feeder main this week include flushing the system with water to clean the pipes, testing water quality and then stabilizing the system before water use can start to return. This phase features critical steps to test the pipe’s stability while we repressurize the pipe. This work must be done slowly and carefully to bring it back up to pressure.

“As we prepare to flush and test, we know there are risks involved. We’re aware there is a higher chance of another rupture during this phase and this happens with any pipe you’d refill,” says General Manager of Infrastructure Services Michael Thompson.

To help manage this risk, we are also using acoustic monitors which could indicate further wire breaks. Sensors are being used to detect pressure spikes as well.

The City has developed contingency plans should we encounter additional issues, and we are prepared to respond rapidly.

“You’ll see less workers at the construction site now that the repairs have mostly been completed. To some people, it’s going to feel like we’ve abandoned the site, when in fact, it’s a sign that we are able to move to the next stage which happens in different locations,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “We will be with this process every step of the way and share updates every day.”

WATER USE

Monday’s water use for the Calgary area was 476 million litres, which is close to our threshold. Calgarians are being asked to continue conserving their water usage as the forecast continues to be warm this week.

More than half a million litres of water have been picked up by Calgarians at our non-potable river water stations. This water is intended for your gardens and can be picked up free of charge at seven locations, including our newest station for both residential and commercial users at Bankside day use area in Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Hours of operation are shifting slightly for residential pick up from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve Calgarians. Commercial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations for residential and commercial users.

We are reminding all Calgarians that the water pumped from the river is non-potable and not safe for drinking.

BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT

To date we have received more than 9,435 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.

We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,741 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 17 violation tickets.

A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 224 calls. There have been 24 written warnings, 85 verbal warnings and we have issued five violation tickets.

ROADS AND MOBILITY

The North Edworthy Park parking lot will be closed and adjacent pathways will be temporarily detoured this week as we begin flushing the pipe.

Community street sweeping is expected to resume July 8. We will be using non-potable water during sweeping to reduce dust buildup, clean sweeping equipment and help with material pickup.

Access to all businesses in the area is currently being maintained and Bowness and Montgomery businesses are open. We encourage you to shop locally and where possible, plan your route ahead of time to account for any delays.

The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:

· Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue N.W. from 49 Street N.W. to Home Road have reopened. Eastbound lanes are open.

· 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 46 Street N.W. and 45 Street N.W.

· 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed in both directions from 43 Street N.W. to Bowness Road N.W.

· East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Road. Expect delays.

· Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange

To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo

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.