Calgary returns to Stage 4 water restrictions today. Here’s what you need to know

Calgary is heading back to the strictest level of outdoor water restrictions today after several more trouble spots were found along the Bearspaw South feeder main that first ruptured in early June.

The city will move back to Stage 4 restrictions on Monday, which are expected to last about a month so the pipe can be dug up and reinforced with concrete in the problem areas.

City officials have made an effort to reassure Calgarians that the water restrictions needed for more pipe repairs starting next week won’t be as bad as the first time around.

Here’s what you need to know:

What are the restrictions?

During the repair period Calgary will return to Stage 4 water restrictions.

This means no outdoor use of potable water is allowed, which means a total ban on watering lawns and gardens.

The following is restricted for residences:

• Watering lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs with city water
• Filling outdoor pools or hot tubs
• Washing outdoor surfaces, including:
  • Windows
  • Exterior building surfaces
  • Sidewalks, driveways or walkways
• Filling fountains or decorative water features
• Washing your car in the driveway or street
• Using water for construction purposes such as grading, compaction or dust control

City officials are also asking residents to take specific actions to limit their water use:

• Limiting showers to three minutes
• Skipping flushes when possible
• Only washing full loads of dishes and laundry

The city acknowledges businesses use water in different ways, but are still asking them to find ways to limit their water consumption by 25 per cent.

Car washes, indoor pools, and other businesses won’t be closed during this time.

How long will restrictions last?

Restrictions will begin on Aug. 26 and are expected to run until Sep. 23. The city has said they believe crews will be able to have repairs finished by the given date.

Will the repairs impact water service?

No water service disruptions are expected for Bowness residents this time around, including boil water advisories.

Where are the repairs happening?

The city has said there will be 21 repair sites will happen along 33 Avenue NW and 16 Avenue NW, before two more pipe segment repairs on Parkdale Boulevard and near Crowchild Trail.

There will be a total of 16 to 18 excavation sites during the month-long repair process that is scheduled to begin on Aug. 28.

Early work is underway along 33 Avenue NW. He says crews have already started sawing into pavement at work sites between 78 and 85 streets.

Sections of 33 Avenue will be closed during the work. Fencing around worksites is being setup on Sunday.

In the maps below, the blue line is the feeder main, the pink boxes are the exact repair locations, and the orange boxes outline approximate worksite locations.