Robotic device gets stuck in Bearspaw South Feeder Main: City of Calgary
Posted Apr 13, 2026 2:09 pm.
Last Updated Apr 13, 2026 7:53 pm.
A robotic device sent into the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to assess the condition of a steel pipe section has become stuck.
City of Calgary officials say the PipeDiver tool was deployed last Thursday as part of a planned inspection, but it stopped moving almost immediately after entering the line.
Attempts to get it “swimming again” have so far failed. Despite the setback, the city stresses that water service is stable and no restrictions are expected.
“Current operation of the feeder main is not affected and there are no impacts to our ability to supply water to Calgary and the region,” reads a release. “We do not anticipate any water restrictions will be needed as we complete this work.”
The inspection was scheduled for April 9 to 11 and was intended to assess the condition of the existing feeder main, which has experienced multiple breaks in recent years, most recently in late December.
Water restrictions were lifted on April 2 after crews completed repairs, marking the third round of restrictions in two years.
Crews expect to remove the PipeDiver sometime this week. The city says evaluating this section of pipe remains important and that alternative inspection methods are being considered.
Provided no additional breaks occur, officials have previously said they do not anticipate further water restrictions until the fall, when the existing line will be shut down again to connect a new replacement pipe.
