Update June 27: Critical water main break affecting city-wide water usage

With paving of 16th Avenue N.W. substantially completed, crews have started slowly and carefully filling the water feeder main and we are on track to start flushing the pipe tomorrow.
Filling the feeder main line is a delicate process that requires care and attention. As the pipe fills, we’re checking for additional breaks and monitoring pressure levels.
This work is expected to continue into tomorrow when we will transition to flushing the pipe. This work will be staged in three areas of Edworthy Park, which will be closed to public access. Initially there may be some discolouration and sediment coming out of the pipe.
We are working with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to ensure that we mitigate the environmental impact of the water entering the Bow River. Water will be released through fire hydrants and dechlorinated before reaching the river. This water will be sampled by Alberta Health Services.
Calgary remains in a Stage 4 water restriction. We have renewed our state of local emergency, which has been in effect since June 15. This reinforces the urgency and priority of this response as we work with crews, contractors and partners to restore water service. The City has developed contingency plans should we encounter additional issues, and we are prepared to respond rapidly.
WATER USE
Wednesday’s water use for the Calgary area was 473 million litres, a 21 per cent reduction in water use. It is imperative that we remain under our threshold so demand does not outstrip supply.
Calgarians are taking advantage of our temporary non-potable water pick-up sites. Yesterday alone, 590 people visited and we distributed 46,140 litres of water. This water is not suitable for drinking, it is intended for your gardens and can be picked up free of charge at seven locations. Please visit Calgary.ca for pick up locations for residential and commercial users.
Hours of operation for residential pick up are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to better serve Calgarians. Commercial hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
BYLAW AND ENFORCEMENT
To date we have received more than 9,925 calls to 311 about this emergency. We encourage Calgarians to use the 311 app or Calgary.ca to make your service requests.
We continue following up on calls to 311 for water misuse. Since the event began, we have received 2,857 calls, the majority of those have been resolved. We have issued 17 violation tickets.
A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary. We’ve received a total of 232 calls. There have been 34 written warnings, 95 verbal warnings and we have issued 6 violation tickets.
As we head into the holiday long weekend, please remember we remain under a fire ban. Do not fire or ignite your own fireworks or pyrotechnics. Fireworks are only allowed by permit and on a case-by-case basis. Bylaw offenders are subject to fines or prosecution.
ROADS AND MOBILITY
Power Point Slide Closure 16 Ave 20240627
With paving completed, the 16th Avenue and 46 Street NW detour will be removed today. A single lane closure is required to accommodate monitoring.
To accommodate flushing work, the North Edworthy Park parking lot will be closed to the public (local only access) and adjacent pathways will be temporarily detoured starting on Thursday.
The following traffic impacts will be in effect until the completion of the feeder main repairs:
Westbound lanes along 16 Avenue NW from 49 Street NW to Home Road are open in both directions, watch for periodic lane closures.
16 Avenue NW will be closed in both directions from 43 Street NW to Bowness Road NW.
East/West traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Road. Expect delays.
Eastbound detour starts at 46 Street to Bowness Road and re-enters 16 Avenue at the Shaganappi Trail interchange
Montgomery View NW is open to local traffic only.
To see up-to-date traffic incidents, cameras or construction please visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo
Community street sweeping is expected to resume July 8. Calgarians are reminded to visit Calgary.ca/sweep and sign up for e-mail and/or text notifications.
To learn more about interruptions to City services (including pools and arenas), a resource of frequently asked questions and the latest updates, visit Calgary.ca/16avewatermain or contact 311.