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7mo ago

Calgary Starts Testing on Refilled Bearspaw Feeder Main as Water Use Rises Again

Officials target a restart within days pending water quality results.

City of Calgary crews repair a rupture of the Bearspaw South feeder main along 16th Avenue near Sarcee Trail N.W. on Jan. 1, 2026. More work will be required later in the year, officials say.
An aerial view of the section of the Bearspaw feeder main that ruptured, forcing the City of Calgary to ask residents to limit their water use.
Apart from water restrictions brought on by infrastructure problems, Calgarians have been urged to look into growing more drought-resistant yards for more resilience under dry conditions.
With a photo of the new break in the Bearspaw South feeder main behind him, Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services for the City of Calgary, provides an update for media at the emergency operations centre on Jan. 1, 2026.

Overview

  • City data show water use climbed to 505 million litres on Sunday after dipping to 493 million litres Saturday, above the 485‑million‑litre target.
  • Stage 4 restrictions remain in place until the system is verified safe and stable.
  • Crews slowly refilled the repaired line with about 22 million litres to limit stress and reduce the risk of another rupture.
  • Sampling and leak checks are underway, with the line expected to return to service later this week if tests succeed.
  • Officials warn the pipe remains vulnerable and have removed berm sections, installed temporary barriers, cleared catch basins, and staged pumps, noting the main typically supplies roughly 60% of the region’s drinking water.