For the first time in nearly a week, city officials are set to update the public on Calgary’s water situation this afternoon.
This comes as near record-breaking heat is forecast for the city — temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s on Wednesday.
It’s also arguably the city’s busiest time, as it is smack dab in the middle of the Calgary Stampede.
On Tuesday, the city said it continues to make progress on stabilizing the water distribution system following repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, but more time is needed before reducing to Stage 3 outdoor water restrictions.
With Calgary and much of Western Canada in a heat wave, city officials say water demand has gradually increased, but is being monitored.
According to the city, on Monday, there were 540 million litres of water used, an increase from 507 million litres used the day before. This is expected to increase as the temperature rises, a normal pattern during extreme heat.
The repaired feeder main is currently running at 55 per cent of its normal capacity, meaning supply is still limited.
Under the current Stage 3 Outdoor Water Restrictions, some outdoor potable water use is allowed. This includes:
- Watering plants with a watering can or container using water from the tap.
- Using a sprinkler or hose to water new sod (for up to 21 days after it is planted) or lawn seed (for up to 45 days after it is planted).
- Water use for construction purposes, like dust suppression, compaction, concrete mixing, watering of new trees and shrubs that are part of a new build and other construction-related activities.
- Water use for home renovation projects, like washing driveways and other surfaces to prepare for paving/sealing, or power-washing a home prior to painting.
Outdoor pools, spray parks, and wading pools are resuming service, welcome news given this week’s hot weather. These facilities were given an exemption from Stage 3 water restrictions as they create safe spaces for people looking for relief from the heat.
The city says all of its wading pools ad spray parks are filled with potable water when they open and then recirculate the water through a system of filters for the rest of the season, which helps keep water use to a minimum.
Updates from city officials on the water situation are once again expected to happen daily at 2 p.m.
During periods of extreme heat, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recommends rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, taking frequent breaks from the heat, and checking on children or pets before getting out of a vehicle.
Calgarians should watch for any symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Extra attention should also be paid to babies, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated, as they can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat.
For the latest on the heat wave, water restrictions, and more, tune in to CityNews 660.