Calgary to Reinforce Bearspaw South Feeder Main, Water Restrictions Begin March 9

Calgary Moving Ahead with Bearspaw South Feeder Main Reinforcements as Water Restrictions Begin March 9

The City of Calgary is proceeding with planned reinforcement repairs on the critical Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM), with construction scheduled to begin March 9, 2026.

The feeder main plays a vital role in Calgary’s drinking water system. Due to enhanced levels of deterioration in certain sections of the aging pipe, the City will reinforce up to nine segments to maintain operational stability until a new parallel steel pipeline is completed and fully operational.

Construction Timeline and Locations

Work is expected to last approximately four weeks. Confirmed reinforcement activity will focus on six pipe segments along 16 Avenue N.W., near Sarcee Trail.

City crews are also exploring the possibility of reinforcing three additional segments at Point McKay Park. However, coordination is still required due to nearby construction related to the broader feeder main replacement project. Officials say confirmation will be provided once finalized.

Water Restrictions in Effect

To safely complete the construction, the feeder main will be temporarily taken out of service. As a result, citywide water restrictions will take effect beginning March 9.

No outdoor water use will be permitted during the shutdown period. Residents are being asked to reduce indoor water consumption by 25 to 30 litres per day by following these conservation measures:

• Limit showers to three minutes or less
• Flush toilets only when necessary
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads

City officials stress that collective conservation efforts are essential to maintaining adequate water supply levels while the system operates at reduced capacity.

Additional Infrastructure Work

The spring shutdown will also allow crews to complete several related infrastructure improvements, including:

• Replacing existing valves near the Shaganappi Pump Station to improve system reliability in the event of future failures
• Inspecting the steel pipe connection to the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant as part of ongoing condition assessments
• Replacing valves at 33rd Avenue and 89 Street to improve control over water distribution between the feeder main and the local system

Concrete Reinforcement Technique

The identified pipe segments will be repaired using a concrete reinforcement method. This process involves excavating the affected sections, constructing an exterior reinforcing steel cage around the pipe, pouring concrete to strengthen it, and then backfilling the area.

Officials note that construction methods may be adjusted once the pipe is fully exposed and assessed onsite.

Ongoing Risk and Community Impact

The City has acknowledged that despite planned reinforcements, there remains a risk of another unexpected pipe break before or after construction. If a break occurs prior to the scheduled reinforcements, crews are prepared to integrate repair and reinforcement work simultaneously.

Municipal officials say they recognize the inconvenience these repairs may cause and are working closely with affected communities. Additional updates and construction details will be shared as the project progresses.

The reinforcement work is considered a critical interim measure to safeguard Calgary’s drinking water infrastructure until the long-term replacement system is complete.