Calgary could move to Stage 1 water restrictions as early as next week

Calgary is still on track to drop to Stage 2 water restrictions by Thursday, which Mayor Jyoti Gondek says is the “best case scenario.”

In an update Wednesday afternoon, officials said no new wire snaps had been detected in the repaired Bearspaw South Feeder Main since a second pump was turned on at the treatment plant on Monday.

“We are continuing to use acoustic and pressure monitors to see how the pipe is responding to increased water flow, which has gone from 55 per cent to 70 per cent of its standard speed,” said Gondek Wednesday morning.

She adds it seems the pipe has been able to handle the increased speed of water flow and preparation work by the water team ahead of time has paid off, as it was able to minimize any pressure spikes.

A move to Stage 2 would allow people to use a hose, or a sprinkler for up to one hour a week.

“We’ll continue to monitor the pipe overnight and will make a final decision on whether to move to Stage 2 early tomorrow morning,” says Francois Bouchart, the city’s director of capital priorities and investment.

He says if the city does move to Stage 2 water restrictions on Thursday, the next step will be to watch how the system performs on Friday and over the weekend. If things remain stable, the move to Stage 1 water restrictions could come as soon as Monday.

For the time being, the city remains under Stage 3 water restrictions which bans the filling of outdoor fountains and washing of outdoor surfaces, as well as using sprinklers and hoses for watering.

With temperatures set to hit the mid-30s this week, the mayor is asking Calgarians too look out for each other, especially seniors and young ones who are susceptible to heat-related illness.

Calgarians used 557 million litres of water Tuesday, which is lower than typical July water use.

“That says you have all done an excellent job in abiding by the outdoor water restrictions,” Gondek said.

The mayor will provide an update at 9 a.m. Thursday to advise whether restrictions are being lowered.

She will also be part of 8:30 a.m. updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until the city moves to Stage 1 restrictions.