Calgary edges closer to lifting water restrictions, but officials stress risk remains

Calgary officials say the city is nearing a significant milestone in its response to the Bearspaw feeder main break, but residents are urged to remain vigilant as the system is gradually brought back online.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas struck a cautiously optimistic tone during Monday afternoon’s update, telling Calgarians that crews are edging closer to restoring service to the feeder main, but emphasized that the next phase remains delicate and that the risk of another break remains very real.

Infrastructure general manager Michael Thompson outlined progress over the weekend, confirming that the repaired section of the Bearspaw feeder main has now been filled with approximately 22 million litres of water. Crews are conducting water quality testing to ensure the water meets standards set by Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

“We are now collecting samples to test the water to make sure it is meeting or exceeding regulatory standards,” Thompson said. “Once we have completed the testing process and the water is safe to drink, we will begin stabilizing the system, which includes turning on the pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and starting to flow water through the pipe.”

If testing and stabilization proceed without complications, the feeder main could return to service within the next few days. That would allow the city to lift Stage 4 water restrictions that have been in place since the break.

However, both Farkas and Thompson stressed that the pipe remains vulnerable.

The mayor warned that as pressure increases, the line could fail again, potentially triggering a return to strict conservation measures.

“We are not out of the woods yet,” he said. “There is still a real chance that we could see another break… we need you to stay in conservation mode for just a little bit longer.”

Even once the current crisis passes, the city plans to take the feeder main offline again in the spring for additional repairs, which will require renewed restrictions.

Water use remains a concern. On Sunday, Calgarians consumed just over 500 million litres, about 20 million litres above the city’s sustainable target of 485 million litres. The city is urging residents to continue reducing consumption by shortening showers, delaying laundry, and skipping unnecessary toilet flushes.

Meanwhile, crews continue preparing for potential setbacks. Sections of the flood berm in Bowness have been removed, and a temporary barrier has been installed along a pathway in Parkdale as a precaution.

Roadwork also continues near the break site.

One eastbound lane on 16 Avenue N.W., east of Sarcee Trail, has reopened, and paving of damaged sections was completed Sunday. Westbound lanes remain closed as repairs continue.

City officials say they will provide further updates as water testing progresses and the system moves into the stabilization phase.