Calgary city council is preparing to review a report concerning the 2024 “catastrophic” feeder main break following a recent second break in the same pipe in the city’s northwest. Mayor Jeromy Farkas announced a special council meeting scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the report publicly, focusing on the causes of the 2024 incident and potential preventative measures.
Last December, a 600-page report was presented to the council detailing the deterioration and failure of the pipe, but it faced criticism for lacking clear solutions to prevent similar issues in the future. Farkas emphasized the need for swift action based on the recommendations in the upcoming report to secure a replacement pipe within the next two years.
Following a water main break in Calgary’s Bowness neighborhood in late December, significant flooding occurred, leading to water restrictions and a boil-water advisory for several northwest communities. Despite the advisory being lifted on Sunday, water usage in Calgary remained high on Monday, exceeding the city’s daily water use goal.
Farkas stressed the importance of improved communication to encourage ongoing water conservation efforts among residents. He highlighted the necessity of recognizing the value of water as a critical resource and the need for proactive measures to address infrastructure challenges and prevent future disruptions in the water supply.
As Calgary’s population nears two million, Farkas emphasized the city’s obligation to preserve water within its system to reduce reliance on external water sources. Efforts to mitigate water loss and enhance the water supply infrastructure are crucial as the city faces challenges posed by population growth and aging infrastructure.
The city is currently focused on repairing the broken feeder main, with a new section delivered to the construction site for installation after inspection. Additionally, preparations are underway to reintroduce a different feeder main at Memorial Drive and 52nd Street N.E. to enhance water distribution in Calgary. The Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project is also set to commence this spring.
In Bowness, a temporary water service interruption is planned for inspection purposes, affecting 30 homes and a business along designated avenues. The city will directly notify those impacted by the interruption to ensure safety during the inspection process.