21 pipe segments of Bearspaw south water main need rehabilitation, 16 to 18 dig sites expected

City of Calgary officials announced on Thursday that crews will be conducting repairs on 21 segments of the Bearspaw south feeder main in total along 33rd Avenue and 16th Avenue N.W.

"We will conduct these repairs first, then there will be an additional two pipe segment repairs on Parkdale Boulevard and near Crowchild Trail," Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services, told reporters.

"We have increased the number of pipe segments to be repaired as there are additional repairs that are adjacent to the urgent repairs that are currently needed and we are taking care of all of them at the same time."

The most urgent repairs and Stage 4 water restrictions are scheduled to occur between Aug. 26 and Sept. 23, a date the city says is subject to change as crews work through repairs and visually inspect the pipe.

Once those repairs have been completed, the two additional repairs will be done on Parkdale Boulevard between 26th and 27th streets and on Broadview Road near Crowchild Trail. According to the city, those additional repairs will not require citywide water reductions.

Thompson says because a number of the locations involve multiple pipe segments, there will be 16 to 18 excavation sites.

"This is our current plan, but it's important to note that it may change as our work evolves, as we expose the pipe and inspect its physical condition."

The 21 total segments of pipe to be fixed is more than the previously reported 16 segments, which Thompson says is due to further analysis of the PipeDiver data, which was gathered throughout July as crews monitored the feeder main's return to service.

"While we are not in a state of emergency, recent data has highlighted certain areas of the feeder main are at risk of failure. Addressing these issues will help us avoid an unplanned break, a breakdown that could disrupt our water supply," said Nicole Newton, the city's manager of natural environment and adaptation, during Thursday's water supply press conference.

"We must complete these repairs within a specific time frame to ensure that Calgary's water supply remains stable throughout the winter."

Thursday's announcement comes after the city revealed that the Bearspaw south feeder main — the city's most critical treated water main — needs further urgent repairs following its rupture on June 5.

As a result, Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions, which are the most restrictive stage, are set to return on Aug. 26. Calgary remains under citywide Stage 1 outdoor water restrictions until then.

During the repair phase, the city will ask all residents and businesses to reduce indoor water use.

"This is crucial to ensure we have enough water for everyone during the repair phase," said Newton.