Crews are making significant headway in the repairs of Calgary’s second major water main break in less than two years, despite the challenging cold conditions, as per the latest update from the city on Saturday.
Michael Thompson, the general manager of Infrastructure Services, acknowledged the slower progress due to the cold weather but commended the crews for their efforts in the repair work.
The water has been successfully drained from the site, the pipe excavation has been completed, and preparations are underway for its removal, Thompson confirmed. The city aims to complete the repairs within two weeks from the pipe burst on December 30, although the cause of the break is still under investigation.
Thompson shared images of the current break, likening it to a “zipper” with a clean horizontal break, in contrast to a previous break in 2024 that had a different appearance.
Water consumption in Calgary rose to 493 million litres on Friday, exceeding the target of 485 million litres or less set by Sue Henry, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency. Residents are urged to conserve water during the repair period by taking shorter showers, reducing flushing, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
Concerns are raised for increased water demand on Monday as schools and businesses resume after the holidays. A boil-water advisory remains in effect for parts of four communities.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed willingness to discuss with Premier Danielle Smith regarding potential provincial oversight of the city’s water system. Farkas also emphasized the need for increased provincial funding, linking it to accountability for fund usage. He acknowledged past infrastructure failures and stressed the council’s responsibility for addressing the issue.