Now that the repairs to the critical feeder main break are complete, we are working on safely restoring the city’s water supply and the future gradual easing of indoor water saving measures.

Calgary remains in Stage 4 water restrictions and are currently in the final stage of the fill, flush, test, stabilize phase. Stabilization is a gradual process and is the stage with the greatest risk. We need to move slowly and safely through this step.

Stabilizing the water distribution system requires crews to use a phased approach to turn on a series of pumps. Turning on the pumps brings the feeder main into operation for the first time since this event began June 5.

We are gradually bringing the Bearspaw South Feeder Main back to service. This allows us to increase the water flow through the system, then we will wait to let pressure spikes stabilize before we add more water and increase the pressure again. We are carefully redirecting water throughout the system.

Water has been flowing in different directions to offset the production and supply across the city from the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant. Throughout this process we are monitoring the system for pressure spikes and any signs of issues. So far, the system seems to be responding well.

Successfully stabilizing our system will allow us to ease indoor water saving measures first. Until the stabilization is complete, we are still asking Calgarians to continue conserving water.

We are aware that some Calgarians are seeing cloudy water when they turn on their taps. This is not unexpected as a result of reconnecting the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to our water system. This is an aesthetic issue only, and drinking water continues to be safe to consume. We are flushing water at some hydrants to reduce this.

We are happy to share some good news. While our crews were working on making our water main safe, they also saved lives. Yesterday afternoon, three of our crew members were packing up along the banks of the Bow River after flushing work near Shaganappi pump station when they saw a capsized raft that had been carrying a large group of people 350 metres upstream. The raft had struck a bridge pillar. Our crew members, who were already wearing lifejackets, jumped into action. One member called 911 immediately while two others tossed ropes to the capsized rafters. Only one person in the water was able to grab a rope. One of our members jumped into the water to guide two others to safety. Our crew member calling 911 put the phone down and jumped into the water to rescue two more people. The remaining occupants of the raft were able to make it the riverbanks on their own. The Calgary Fire Department and EMS arrived very quickly and were able to take over the scene.

“We simply cannot thank these crew members enough. What you did is nothing short of heroic and inspiring,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry. “All of our crew have worked tirelessly thought this event and to know that these three crew members working this emergency situation risked their own safety to help others is really what this wonderful city and country is all about.”

WATER USE

Sunday’s water use for the Calgary area was a record low of 425 million litres, a 29 per cent reduction in water use. We thank Calgarians continuing to practice good water habits to ensure Calgary remains under the safe demand threshold.

Calgarians are taking advantage of our temporary nonpotable water pickup sites. On Sunday, 41 people visited and we distributed 2,772 litres of water. Eleven commercial users picked up 67,525 litres. This water is not suitable for drinking, it is intended for your gardens and can be picked up free of charge at seven locations. Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations for residential and commercial users.

Hours of operation for residential pick up are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve Calgarians. Commercial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT

To date we have received more than 10,704 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.

We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,983 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 19 violation tickets.

A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 262 fire pit concern calls. There have been 36 written warnings, 111 verbal warnings and we have issued six violation tickets.

ROADS AND MOBILITY

16 Avenue N.W. is open to traffic in both directions, however some paving work is still required. Speed is reduced along certain areas of 16 Avenue N.W. where feeder main repairs were completed, and we’re reminding Calgarians to expect delays when travelling through the area and to pay attention to signage in the area.