‘Trend in the right direction’: Calgary’s water use continues to close in on threshold
Posted Sep 2, 2024 3:14 pm.
Calgarians saved nearly an Olympic-sized pool in water use Sunday compared to Saturday’s use. It was still short of the city’s target, but officials are thanking Calgarians all the same for keeping water use down.
Water use on Sunday was 473 million litres, a savings of two million litres compared to Saturday’s 475 million litres. It takes 2.5 million litres to fill an Olympic-sized pool.
General Manager of Infrastructure Michael Thompson gave his thanks on behalf of the City of Calgary, including those who are adhering to Stage 4 water restrictions.
“We continue to trend in the right direction,” he said in Monday’s update.
He says despite the warm weather Monday and in the coming week, outdoor water restrictions are still in effect and he is asking people who haven’t turned off their sprinklers to do so now.
“Many of the calls that we have been receiving about residential and business watering are related to automatic sprinkler systems still in use,” Thompson said.
For indoor use, he is reminding Calgarians to run full loads of laundry and dishes and to space the loads throughout the week, reduce toilet flushing, and take three-minute showers.
“Every time you skip a flush, you save six litres of water. This adds up. If we each skip one flush every day, it adds up to 8.4 million litres, the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools,” he said.
To avoid city-wide boil water advisories, officials are aiming for a water use target of 450 million litres. Using more than the targeted amount could mean the reservoirs run dry, according to the city, leading to an extended boil water advisory.
Those who need to water plants are being asked to use sources such as collected rainwater, grey water from showers, or to collect from the three river water pick-up sites for residential or commercial use.
More information on tips to reduce water use can be found at calgary.ca.
When it comes to those calls mentioned earlier, Thompson says nearly 200 more calls were made to bylaw officers about water misuse.
Those numbers went from 398 to 576, which includes 427 at homes and multi-family buildings, up from 275, and 88 at businesses, up from 67.
The fine for non-compliance is up to $3,000, and the city is continually reminding residents that bylaw officers are following up on the complaints and will start issuing tickets.
Repair progress made over long weekend
Thompson explains the repairs are progressing on schedule, with crews working 24 hours a day, with a notable concrete pouring on the first segment on Monday.
The city is continuing work on sites one through four along 33 Avenue NW and Shouldice Park.
“Installation of rebar is progressing as per schedule, and in the coming days, the number of pipe segments to have concrete poured around them will increase,” he explained.
Fencing is being put up around site five, and excavation is expected to start Tuesday, Thompson says.
The city is planning to excavate sites six through eight and prepare for construction on Thursday.
The excavation will lead to 16 Avenue NW closing from 46 Street to the Bowness Road interchange with traffic detouring along Bowness Road. Bowness Road will be open in both directions, along with access to 16 Avenue and businesses.
“There is a traffic plan that will keep most business driveways open, allow for parking and provide clear directions to help customers find their way free. Short-term parking is available throughout the community,” Thompson said.
Thompson also thanked Bowness residents for their patience with all the construction and repair work in the area.
“I know how disruptive this repair work is to your community. The construction crew shared with me just how grateful they are for your patience and understanding as they complete this work. Thank you,” he said.
The city’s daily updates are at 2 p.m.
