While Calgary’s water use is still above the targeted level, falling by nearly 20 million litres Saturday, officials remind people to reduce their use and not to use water outdoors amid increased heat.
Calgarians used 475 million litres on Saturday, a significant drop from 492 million litres on Friday, and from Thursday’s total of 487 million litres.
The target set out by city officials to avoid the introduction of city-wide boil water advisories is 450 million litres. Using more than the targeted water amount could mean the reservoirs run dry, according to the city, leading to an extended boil water advisory.
Francois Bouchart, the city’s director of capital priorities and investments is emphasizing the need to adhere to Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions with the heightened heat in the next few days.
“If you need to use water to water your plants use other sources, like collected rain water, gray water from your shower or one of our three river water pickup sites,” he said in the city’s Sunday update.
He says there have been 398 reports of water misuse the week of Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. This includes 275 at homes and multifamily buildings and 67 at businesses.
The fine for non-compliance is up to $3,000.
“Bylaw officers are continuing to work through the weekend to follow up on these complaints,” Bouchart said.
Construction updates
The remainder of the update was a reminder of construction that is upcoming and ongoing, most of which was already shared by Bouchart on Saturday.
He says that construction is ongoing at the sites along 33 Avenue NW and Shouldice Park, and crews are preparing for work at additional sites, which are expected to begin in the upcoming week. As of Sunday, construction is on schedule.
“Construction activities are now underway at all 12 repair segments. We have completed excavation of five more repair segments, bringing the total to seven, and we’re continuing excavation on another five,” he said.
“Crews are conducting inspections on the newly completed excavations and installation of rebar and formwork for concrete pouring is continuing.”
He says the completion of the excavation on the first four sites is still expected by Sept. 3.
For sites six through eight, crews are taking measures in preparing for construction that will start on Sept. 5.
He says 16 Avenue NW will be closed from 46 Street to the Bowness Road interchange with traffic being detoured along Bowness Road. He adds it will be open in both directions, with access to 16 Avenue and businesses.
Free short-term parking will be available throughout the community, adding the city is encouraging Calgarians to support local during this time.
Plans for the last site location, which is site five on 33 Avenue NW, are being finalized. Bouchart says affected residents are in direct contact with the city. More information will be made available as soon as it’s available.
Restrictions are expected to last until Sept. 23.