Bearspaw South Feeder Main Reinforcement Project Update #1 (March 9, 2026)

Water demand status 

1. Today is the first day of water restrictions, and we will know tomorrow if use was below 500 million litres per day (MLD), in the “Green Zone”.
2. For context:
   1. The “Green Zone” means water demand can be met safely by the drinking water system during the shutdown.
   2. The “Red Zone” means demand is too high and increases risks to the system.

(see Water Demand Dashboard for details)

1. Average water demand over the past few weeks has been around 512 MLD, so under 500 million litres is within our reach if everyone takes small but impactful actions.
2. The City is reducing its own water use, including limiting vehicle and fleet washing, adjusting cleaning practices, avoiding outdoor water use at City facilities and making operational changes at recreation facilities to conserve water during the reinforcement work.
3. Everyone’s continued water‑saving efforts remain critical until the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is back in service.

 

Repair status and schedule

1. Over the weekend, crews prepared for the planned shutdown of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, including traffic control and site setups to prepare for reinforcement work to begin safely.
2. This morning, the Bearspaw South Feeder Main was shut down and isolated, marking the start of the reinforcement work window.
3. All valves are closed and dewatering has begun to prepare the pipe for reinforcement work.
4. Water operations teams are actively managing system operations today to maintain safe and reliable drinking water while the feeder main is out of service and system capacity is reduced.
5. To support repair work, there are lane and ramp closures around the 16 Avenue N.W. and Sarcee trail interchange. Traffic has been reduced to a single lane in each direction, and we encourage drivers to expect delays and plan ahead.

 

Looking ahead

1. We will need everyone’s help to continue to save water for the next four weeks. This means taking small steps inside and not using City water outside while we remain in Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions.
2. Draining the pipe is expected to be completed by tomorrow, which will allow reinforcement work to progress.

 

Key messages (to share with your networks)

1. Stage 4 Outdoor Water restrictions are currently in effect and we’re asking everyone to reduce their indoor water use while reinforcement work is underway on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
2. For approximately the next four weeks, we need to keep overall water use below 500 million litres per day. Staying within this “green zone” helps ensure there is enough water for essential daily living, emergency response and critical services city-wide.
3. We’re asking residents to continue saving water by focusing on a few simple, high impact actions:
   1. Keep showers to three minutes or less
   2. Flush toilets only when necessary
   3. Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
4. Every action counts. When everyone does their part, we can protect the water system and get through this reinforcement period safely. Visit Calgary.ca/savewater for tips and updates.
5. Local businesses remain open and accessible. Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue supporting businesses in Bowness and Montgomery during construction.

 

Resources

1. Visit ca/savewater for regular updates and materials to help spread the word.
2. Regular livestream updates can be viewed at ca/live
3. See daily potable water demand data via the Potable Water Demand Dashboard.
4. Visit ca/savewateratwork for tips on how your business sector can reduce water use.
5. Visit ca/trafficinfo for the latest traffic information.

Visit 2026 Bearspaw South Feeder Main reinforcements for construction updates.