It's an 'important week' for work on Calgary's broken water main: mayor

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says work to restore a failed water main has reached an "important week," adding that the installing of pipe and backfilling of excavations are expected "soon."

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says work to restore a failed water main has reached an "important week," adding that the installing of pipe and backfilling of excavations are expected "soon."

"Once that's done, crews can begin testing, and return the feeder main to full service," Gondek said during the city's Monday afternoon update.

"When the team is ready to add water to the pipe, it's going to be a staged easing of getting that pipe -- as well as the rest of the system -- back up to normal operation."

Gondek said during Tuesday's meeting of council she will ask for a clear understanding of the budget that's required for the technology and monitoring systems that Calgary needs moving forward.

Gondek says her office will also connect with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on Tuesday to identify how they can provide "leadership for the critical need to address stressed municipal infrastructure in cities across this nation."

Yesterday, Calgary used 462 million litres of water, higher than the city's target but still below the threshold.

"Conserving water is essential to making sure we have enough water in situations where there are life-saving efforts needed," Gondek said.