Calgary Water Restrictions Nearing End After Successful Repairs

Calgary‘s water-use restrictions are anticipated to be lifted shortly, according to a city official. Francois Bouchart, the city’s director of capital priorities and investment, stated on Saturday that tests on the newly-repaired Bearspaw Water Feeder Main have shown favorable results, aiding the stabilization of the system.

“Although we need to remain cautious, if all goes as planned, we remain on track to remove all water restrictions on Sunday,” Bouchart commented. He added that efforts to restore water levels in reservoirs would proceed after the system is stabilized.

The city has faced Stage 4 water restrictions since late August, prohibiting outdoor water use and asking residents to conserve water indoors. This restriction was implemented following the rupture of a feeder main in Montgomery on June 5, which led to the discovery of additional vulnerable spots along the northwest line fed by the Bearspaw Water Treatment plant. This plant supplies 60% of the city’s water.

During peak times, water usage by residents exceeded sustainable limits, briefly affecting the Glenmore Water Treatment plant that was bearing most of the supply load. However, as temperatures have started to cool, public water use has fallen to more sustainable levels, reaching 480 million litres on Thursday and Friday.

The impact of these restrictions has been significant, particularly for businesses. Myles Sidorak, owner of NAIAD Irrigation, reported a loss of $250,000 in business due to the constraints, noting that recovery will take years. He described the end of restrictions as “too late, 2024 is a total loss,” and commented on the necessity of making temporary layoffs.

In the landscaping sector, financial impacts have also been heavy, with industry leader Joel Beatson stating that some operators endured reductions in revenue of 60 to 80 percent. The unpredictability of the restrictions caught many by surprise, leading to widespread layoffs at the end of summer.

Despite the challenges, the city completed necessary repairs a week ahead of schedule, providing some relief. As the situation progresses, industry representatives are looking forward to collaborating with the city on future water management policies to prevent similar disruptions.