Calgary’s water use target increases but officials stress conservation amid feeder main repairs

Officials say Calgary’s daily water use target is now higher after crews found a way to move more water during major feeder main repairs that have forced the city back into outdoor water restrictions.

Calgary’s Infrastructure Services General Manager Michael Thompson said Tuesday that crews tested a new configuration that allows an additional 35 million litres of water to move through the system.

“The team took key learnings from June and looked at new ways to bring capacity and improved water distribution across the city,” said Thompson during an afternoon update. “One of the learnings was our ability to reconfigure existing pumps to reroute the flow of water.”

“We have completed testing this configuration and the team is confident it is a sustainable solution for the remainder of the repair work.”

The changes mean the city’s daily water use target has increased to 485 million litres per day from 450 million litres per day. Thompson added that anything between 485 million and 500 million will put a strain on the system, and anything above 500 million litres of water is “unsustainable.”

“We are unable to replenish the underground storage tanks in your neighbourhoods overnight and we are at a greater risk of running out of water,” said Thompson, should water use remain over 500 million litres.

City data shows Calgarians used 505 million litres Monday, up from 473 million litres on Sunday, and 475 million litres on Saturday.

The target amount of use that was initially set by city officials, was 450 million litres. Usage hasn’t dipped to that target since Stage 4 water restrictions were re-introduced more than a week ago.

Stage 4 prohibits outdoor use of potable water, which means a total ban on watering lawns and gardens. The city was also asking residents to cut their indoor water use by 25 per cent.

“We’ve seen everyone be able to come together and reduce indoor use, and we are asking you to continue that for the next three weeks,” Thompson said.

The city said late last week they were going to start issuing fines for people who aren’t following the outdoor water rules. Officials said Tuesday that five tickets have been issued for outdoor water use during the restrictions.

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The city previously warned multiple times last week that the risk associated with using too much water was an extended city-wide boil water advisory.

Restrictions on outdoor water use are expected to last until Sept. 23, when the city says repairs will be finished.

Crews have now started work on five of eight repair sites, including four along 33 Avenue NW and one at Shouldice Park. Excavation is nearing at completion at the first five locations.

“Once excavation is complete, we’re moving forward with installing rebar and form work and concrete pouring has already started around some repair segments,” reads a release from the city.

Construction on the three remaining sites along 16 Avenue NW is expected to begin on Thursday.

The city says 16 Avenue will be shut down between 46 Street NW and Bowness Road once the repairs begin, with traffic being diverted onto Bowness Road.