Following further investigation of our water feeder main, significant additional damage has been found and other sections of the pipe now also need to be repaired. This will result in a lengthier delay in returning Calgarians to normal water service than was anticipated, as with the extensive damage repairs are now estimated to take an additional three to five weeks to complete.
The City is looking at strategies to do these repairs simultaneously and are exploring everything we can possibly do to do this faster and we hope to revise this timeline. The repair is The City’s top priority and speed is of the essence, however we are balancing that with the availability of resources materials, and the safety of our teams.
To guarantee the integrity of the pipe and ensure secure water service for Calgarians, The City of Calgary has made the prudent decision to fix the locations of concern along the line while the pipe is bare and dry. Fixing the initially identified problem without addressing these other trouble spots carries a high risk of another major rupture and potential impacts to public safety.
“This is not the news we were hoping to share, but we are sharing the situation as transparently as possible with you,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry. “Based on what we are hearing and the information we have now, this is the best decision in an unexpected and difficult situation. What I can tell you is the round-the-clock work from our teams, thorough inspections in very complex conditions, and the options to move forward… these were not casually done, and this decision was not made lightly. Calgary's water infrastructure is industry-leading and it's only because of the incredible and skilled work of our water operators managing our water so carefully that we continue to have enough water,” says Henry.
“We absolutely understand that speed is of the essence – we are balancing that with the availability of materials and safety of our teams.”
This will result in asking Calgarians for water-saving measures for longer than expected to ensure our emergency reserves don’t run dry.
NEIGHBOUR DAY
Tomorrow is Neighbour Day, our city’s annual day to join with neighbours and show our community spirit. Now more than ever we recognize that events are an important way for Calgarians to connect with our community. Event organizers are generally approved to proceed as long as they adhere to water restrictions currently in place and limit and monitor discretionary water use.
Visit calgary.ca/neighbourday for more information on events taking place.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 1,536 calls.
Officers have issued more than 900 warnings (465 verbal warnings, 461 written warnings), and two tickets to contractors associated with construction work.
There have been 98 calls for fire pits, resulting in 41 verbal warnings, 13 written warnings and one ticket.
The Calgary Fire Department has comprehensive plans and alternative operating procedures to supplement water supply if necessary. There are multiple non-hydrant firefighting strategies (including plans, personnel, apparatuses, alternate water sources and equipment) in place to meet the challenges we are facing with this emergency.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Detours are in place as 16 Avenue remains closed at home Road N.W.
The City of Calgary thanks affected residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during this time.
For more information and a resource of frequently asked questions visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.
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