Calgary, AB – In a significant development, Calgary officials have eased water restrictions and lifted the fire ban as the city continues to recover from a major water main break in June. Mayor Jyoti Gondek announced on Saturday that Calgary has moved from stage four to stage three water restrictions, marking a critical step in the city’s restoration efforts.
Calgary water restrictions
“While we’ve progressed to stage three, it’s essential to understand that our water system is still recuperating,” Gondek said. “Think of it as a patient post-surgery – up and walking, but not ready to run.”
What Stage Three Means for Calgarians
Under the new stage three restrictions, residents are permitted to use watering cans or containers to maintain their gardens, lawns, and shrubs. However, the use of sprinklers and hoses remains prohibited. Additionally, washing vehicles at home or cleaning exterior windows is still not allowed.
Businesses, on the other hand, have been granted permission to use water for construction purposes, including dust control and grading.
“We must take this one step at a time,” Gondek emphasized. “Our goal is to move to stage two, which will allow more outdoor water use, as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Impact on Water Usage and Public Facilities
The city’s water usage has seen a significant decrease, with residents using 492 million litres on Friday – 18% less than the typical consumption for this time of year. This reduction is crucial as Calgary continues to rely on the South Glenmore Treatment Plant, following the rupture of the main feeder line from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant.
Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry highlighted the importance of this milestone. “We’re moving forward in phases to ensure system stability,” Henry said. “Future stages will allow for the use of hoses and sprinklers, but we’re not there yet.”
As temperatures rise, officials have granted operational exemptions for public outdoor pools and spray parks under stage three restrictions, allowing these facilities to reopen starting Saturday. City-owned spray parks are expected to be operational by Sunday afternoon.
“We understand the disappointment for those with private pools, but our priority is community benefit and public safety,” Henry added.
Fire Ban Lifted and Other Changes
The city has also lifted the fire ban, enabling residents to safely use propane and natural gas fire pits and barbecues. Calgary Fire Department crews are confident they have sufficient water supply to handle emergencies.
In another move towards normalcy, river water pickup locations will begin closing at 2 p.m., with the Ogden location remaining open for commercial and industrial use. Street sweeping will return to full operations starting Monday, and the municipal emergency plan will be deactivated.
“Our teams are working around the clock to ensure we have safe, quality drinking water,” Henry assured.
Progress and Future Outlook
Francois Bouchart, Calgary’s director of capital priorities and investments, reported that maintenance at the South Glenmore Treatment Plant has been completed, and inspections of the 11-kilometre feeder main from the Bearspaw plant are underway, with results expected in three to four weeks.
“The feeder main is currently operating at 55% capacity and 82% of its normal pressure,” Bouchart said. “Our next milestone will be transitioning to stage two, depending on our ability to safely increase water supply.”
Despite these advances, some level of outdoor water restrictions will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future, until further progress is made.
Stay updated with Calgary’s latest news and developments as the city continues its journey towards full recovery.
Comments