Calgarians urged to plan ahead with Stage 4 water restrictions around the corner

As Calgary gets set to return to the strictest level of outdoor water restrictions, the city is urging residents to plan ahead and take advantage of using potable water while they can.

Officials announced last week that the city will move back to Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions with repairs required along the Bearspaw South feeder main after more than a dozen trouble spots were detected by a pipe diver device.

The major pipe in northwest Calgary ruptured in early June and forced Calgarians to undertake a series of water conservation measures, from not watering lawns to taking shorter showers.

The new round of Stage 4 restrictions will take effect on Aug. 26, and are expected to last until Sep. 23, giving crews the chance to make the necessary repairs. It will mean a total ban on watering lawns and gardens during that time.

Up until the pipe is turned off, residents can continue to water with sprinklers, or a hose attached to a spray-nozzle during the allowed days and times. A list of the current Stage 1 restrictions and watering schedules can be found here.

“We encourage you to take this period to make sure your gardens, trees and shrubs are healthy leading up to the Stage 4 restrictions,” says Rehana Rajabali, leader of the city’s environmental planning and policy.

She also recommends applying a layer of mulch to help reduce water evaporation, and to get rain barrels or other containers to collect rainwater.

Residents and businesses will also be asked to curb their indoor water usage during the time the feeder main is turned off.

“Now is a great time to get caught up on your laundry,” says Rajabali. “Items like throw blankets or seasonal clothing can be washed ahead of time.”

“Businesses are encouraged to use this time to check fixtures and bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, and repair any leaks. If you have automatic faucets you can adjust them to a short run-time, and you have don’t have them, you might consider installing them.”

Businesses are being asked to find ways to cut 25 per cent reduction of their regular daily water usage during the time the pipe is turned off. The city says no businesses will be asked to close, including car washes.

Non-potable water stations will once again be set up along the river for people to use when the tighter restrictions take effect, according to officials.

The city says it is taking its own action to reduce water use by ceasing to water plants and flowers, and stopping irrigation of grass areas around city-owned buildings.

“Wash bays for city vehicles will be closed, vehicles will only be washed to comply with health and safety requirements,” says Rajabali.

Officials are expected to provide another update on Thursday where they will share more details on the specific locations where crews will be doing the repair work on the feeder main.

The city says they have been in communication with business owners and residents in the area.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek said late last week that the city is considering ways to strengthen the key water main for the long-term, including replacing it altogether.

The mayor says in the spring the city could add a liner or a sleeve to the pipe to strengthen it, or dig alongside it and built an entirely new one.

With files from The Canadian Press