Mon Sep 09 15:39:56 UTC 2024: ## Calgary Water Conservation Efforts Continue as Bearspaw Feeder Main Repairs Hit Halfway Mark

**Calgary, AB** – Calgary officials are urging residents to continue their water conservation efforts as repairs on a critical water main reach the halfway point. The Bearspaw feeder main, which supplies the majority of the city’s water, is expected to be fully operational by Sept. 23.

Work on the main is progressing as scheduled, with three of the four repair sites along 33rd Avenue N.W. nearing completion. Repairs on the 16th Avenue N.W. section are also underway, and Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized that businesses in the area remain open and welcome customers.

“They could sure use your support,” said Gondek. “Please know that they are eager to serve you. Go out and do some of your local shopping there.”

Despite the progress, city officials remain concerned about water usage. Calgary consumed 509 million litres on Sunday, exceeding the sustainable daily limit of 500 million litres. This high demand puts significant strain on the city’s water infrastructure, particularly the Glenmore water treatment facility, which is currently operating at full capacity.

“We’re pushing our Glenmore plant to its full capacity,” said Francois Bouchart, the city’s director of capital priorities and investment. “The risk is there that if we have a failure that we can’t resolve very quickly, we could quickly precipitate into a crisis.”

Councilor Terry Wong highlighted the potential impact of increased water restrictions on businesses. “If we have to step up the water restrictions, that just simply means businesses may end up having to again shut down,” he said.

While the city aims to ease water restrictions by Sept. 26, residents are urged to remain mindful of their water usage to avoid potential disruptions. Currently, Calgary is under Stage 4 outdoor water use restrictions, prohibiting any non-essential water use outside the home.

The city has issued 29 violation tickets since repairs began, with fines of $3,000 each. Officials are reminding residents that continued cooperation in water conservation is vital for the smooth completion of repairs and the overall stability of Calgary’s water system.

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