Water restrictions not required for new north Calgary feeder main electrical work

Mayor Jeromy Farkas hinted last month that short-term outdoor watering restrictions may be necessary in mid-September to carry out electrical work at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant to support a new pump station.

The pump station is a component of the north Calgary water servicing project, which includes installation of a 22-kilometre water feeder main in northwest Calgary, complemented by 10 support facilities.

But on Friday, the city announced in a news release that thanks to cool temperatures in the forecast and recent precipitation, water restrictions shouldn’t be necessary, even though the electrical work will temporarily reduce the amount of treated water that can be supplied to Calgary and regional water customers.

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“Based on current weather forecasts and projected water demand during this period, outdoor water restrictions are not anticipated at this time,” the release said. “Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.”

Nevertheless, the city said households and businesses are encouraged to continue using treated water wisely, particularly outdoors, and to follow Calgary’s assigned lawn and landscaping watering schedule. The schedule — adopted by city council earlier this year as part of a new water efficiency plan — permits even-numbered addresses to water their lawns on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and odd-numbered households to water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“While restrictions are not anticipated, weather conditions will continue to be monitored, and plans may be adjusted if circumstances change,” the release stated.

The city also reminded that the north Calgary water servicing project is separate from the upcoming tie-in of the Bearspaw South feeder main replacement line to the existing water system, which is slated to occur in mid-to late-October.

That work will require Stage 4 water restrictions and indoor water conservation efforts for an approximately four-week period, it said. Those are the same conditions that were in effect following the Bearspaw South feeder main’s two prior failures.

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