Mayor sends thanks to Calgary ‘water heroes’ as usage remains in green zone

Calgary’s water consumption remained in the ‘green zone’ Wednesday, prompting thanks from the mayor as major repair work on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main moves ahead on schedule.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas opened Thursday’s update with gratitude, applauding Calgarians for their conservation efforts as the city reports another decline in daily water use.

“We are so grateful for the actions you are taking,” he said, noting that usage numbers are “headed in the right direction.”

City data shows water consumption fell to 489 million litres on Wednesday, down from 494 million litres the day before, placing Calgary firmly within the “green zone” the city is aiming for during the ongoing feeder main repairs.

Farkas said he’s encouraged by the creative ways residents are stepping up.

“Households having contests to see who can take the shortest shower, or comparing your current water bill to your previous one,” he said.

While previous shutdowns aimed for daily usage of 485 million litres, the current target is slightly higher. Calgarians are being asked to continue conserving at least 25 litres per day by taking shorter showers, flushing toilets less frequently, and running dishwashers and laundry machines only when full.

Water restrictions are expected to remain for another three-and-a-half weeks until the ongoing repairs are complete. A list of restrictions can be found here.

Progress on feeder main repairs

City officials say crews are making steady progress on reinforcing nine segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main including six segments along 16 Avenue NW near Sarcee Trail and three segments at Point McKay Park.

The city reports that water is being drained from the final section of pipe and excavation is underway across all sites.

Construction remains on schedule, according to the city.

The city also announced new work along 33 Avenue NW, where valve repairs are now underway. The work means lane reductions and a partial closure at 83 Street and 33 Avenue NW.

The valve repairs are expected to take around 10 days.

Residents in Bowness and Montgomery, the neighbourhoods most directly impacted by construction, can visit a dedicated resource centre at the Bowness Community Association (7904 43 Ave NW) for updates and assistance.