More fines issued as Calgary officials continue calls for water conservation

With a heat wave expected over the next few days, city officials are reiterating concerns about the strain on Calgary's water system while the main feeder pipe is out of service for critical repairs.

At a news conference Thursday, the city said the work is expected to be complete in 2½ weeks, which is in line with the original estimate given in August.

At the current rate of water consumption, however, the system is at maximum capacity. That means it's stretched beyond what is reasonable for long periods, said Michael Thompson, the city's general manager of infrastructure services. 

"We understand that the impact to your yards is of significant concern, and we genuinely appreciate your patience during this time," he said.

To deal with the demand, the city said it will extend the hours of the non-potable water stations for residents, making them operational from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

The additional strain caused a pump failure earlier this week. While that was resolved quickly, Thompson said it highlights the need for increased conservation efforts.

"It could have easily put us in a situation where reservoir capacities would have dropped significantly and have been hard to recover," he said.

Thompson said the city is in conversation with a number of major industries and organizations regarding water reduction strategies.

The city increased the threshold target for water use by 35 million litres earlier this week, from 450 million litres to 485 million litres, after adjustments were made to the system so it could handle more demand.

However, water use for the entire week has remained above the newly set threshold, reaching 506 million litres on Tuesday and 500 million litres on Wednesday.

The city is under Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions until at least Sept. 23, while repair work is ongoing to fix the broken feeder main.

Since restrictions were implemented, 14 tickets for water misuse have been issued, the city said Thursday. Ten of those tickets were issued to residences, two to multi-family housing complexes and another two to businesses. Each fine was $3,000.

"It's crucial for every resident to cease all potable outdoor water use so that we can safely and efficiently complete the urgent repairs," Thompson said.

A portion of 16th Avenue N.W. in Montgomery, from 46th Street to 41st Street, was closed for water pipe repairs on Thursday, with traffic being diverted onto Bowness Road.

Repair work along 33rd Avenue N.W. and in Shouldice Park remains on schedule, said Francois Bouchart, the city's director of capital priorities and investment.

Excavation at all 12 pipe segment sites has been completed and five of the pipe segments have now been encased in concrete.

"Our team has designed a traffic plan that keeps most business driveways open, enables parking and provides clear direction for customers looking to visit establishments," Bouchart said.

"Bowness and Montgomery are open for business. Please stop in and show your support over these next few weeks."