'A minimum of 5 to 7 days': Calgary provides update on timeline of water main break repair
CBC
The City of Calgary finally had some good news to share about the catastrophic break in the city's major feeder water main — the problem section has been identified, and is being prepped for repairs.
But that doesn't mean water worries for Calgarians are ending soon.
"If everything goes well, we're looking at at least another five to seven days before the situation is resolved," Chris Huston, the city's manager of drinking water distribution, said Saturday morning.
Updating the situation at a 10 a.m. media briefing, the city said that crews reached the damaged section of the critical water main on Friday and began clearing water, dirt and debris to assess the site of the leak.
WATCH | Officials urge more water conservation as repairs to water main begin:
Today, crews are preparing the feeder main for inspection to determine the next steps and expect to begin cutting out the damaged section of pipe.
"We are making good progress, however, it's important to know this is a complex process and I want Calgarians to be prepared and understand that it will take some time to complete this repair," said Nancy Mackay, the city's director of water services.
"There are still many unknowns, and we want to ensure we take the time to do this right."
And while the repair work begins, Calgarians are being asked to continue reducing their water use.
"Yesterday morning, our water use was outstripping our supply. We asked you to do a little bit extra to save water, and I'm thrilled to share that you listened and have stepped up. Today, we're asking you keep it up," Mackay said Saturday.
"We are in a better place than yesterday, but it's only because of you. There is still a high risk that we will run out of water if we don't continue to conserve as much as we can."
Mackay says the city has cut its water use by 25 per cent, but that's just keeping pace with supply.
"Water supply and demand is about even right now," she said.
A major feeder water main break near the western edge of the city plunged Calgary's water supply into a critical state Wednesday night.
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