City officials will update Calgarians on Thursday afternoon with the latest developments on the water system.
The City of Calgary has been gradually lifting restrictions on water use, though officials continue to urge residents to ease back into their regular water-use habits as crews work to fully stabilize the system.
Calgary remains under Stage 3 water restrictions as crews monitor how the city’s water system will respond to the easing of water conservation measures. On Wednesday, the city announced that all outdoor pools are exempt from the ongoing outdoor water restrictions in order to help Calgarians seek some relief from the heat.
Francois Bouchart, director of capital priorities and investment with the city’s infrastructure services department, said on Wednesday that Calgary’s distribution system is able to meet water demand as long as Stage 3 outdoor water restrictions remain in place.
Wednesday’s water usage expected to increase, city says
On Tuesday, water use reached 555 million litres, up from the 540 million litres used Monday, and Bouchart said the city expects usage will have increased yet again on Wednesday in light of the extremely hot temperatures.
The mercury hit 34 C by mid-afternoon, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
City officials say the Bearspaw south feeder main — which ruptured on June 5 — is operating at 55 per cent capacity, and in order to increase flow, crews need to be confident that the pipe will be able to withstand the pressure.