The City of Calgary says water main repairs are coming along and say it’s only one week before water restrictions will be lifted.
Nancy McKay, the director of water services for the city, says water use poked its head above the targeted use after three days, climbing to 486 million litres.
“We are nearing the end of our repairs and construction, and as we begin to reopen roads, we need everyone to continue to help save water until the feeder main is back in service,” she said.
Stage 4 water restrictions were reintroduced on Aug. 26 to make way for repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which followed a critical break that happened on June 5. The city initially said they expected repairs to be complete by Sep. 23.
Prior to restrictions being lifted, Mackay says once the repairs are complete, the pipe has to be filled, tested, and then the distribution of water throughout the city has to be stabilized. She adds each step takes “some time to complete.”
She also said repairs are progressing on the eight repair sites, with Sites 1-3 still needing gravel, concrete curb and gutter work, and paving, which is expected to continue until Monday. Site 4 was completed earlier in the week.
Parking signs in the area will be removed as repairs near completion, and concrete pouring on Site 5 was completed Friday night. She says 33 Avenue NW from 83 Street to 87 Street is anticipated to open in the coming week.
Paving is expected to start on Sites 6-8.
While there will be some localized lane closures near 43 Street to accommodate city crews and equipment, current construction detours and the opening of 16 Avenue are expected on Monday.
“We’ll continue to update the public and those directly impact as we get closer to that reopening,” Mackay said.
She also says the city has received feedback from businesses on 16 Avenue, and residents on 33 Avenue, and says the city was able to build its plans to lessen the impact of the work “as much as possible.”
“Thank you for sharing your information with us so we can effectively communicate with you throughout the construction,” Mackay said.
“We will continue to connect with those directly impacted by the construction and share our progress and to begin discussing plans to reinstate both sidewalks driveways and landscaping that have been impacted by the repair work.”
Water restrictions are expected to be lifted ahead of schedule on Sept. 21-22.