Daily water use in Calgary finally falls to sustainable 'green zone'

Water usage in Calgary hit a more sustainable level on Tuesday, the city says.

The city reported progress in its water conservation efforts on Wednesday, recording its lowest usage in 10 days. Water demand dropped to 481 million litres on Tuesday, the lowest total Calgary has seen since Labour Day Weekend, and a total that puts the city below its target sustainability threshold of 485 million litres.

The result puts the city back in the "green zone," signalling that the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant can be operated safely and sustainably without undue strain on the system.

"We have to keep this momentum going. We know that we're getting close to the end, but we're not there yet," said Francois Bouchart, the city's director of capital priorities and investment. 

The Bearspaw feeder main, a critical piece of infrastructure that distributes the majority of Calgary's water, is out of service. So the Glenmore plant is now producing approximately 70 per cent of Calgary's water supply. Normally, it would be handling 30 per cent at this time of year, with the Bearspaw plant producing the rest.

"We really need to keep on this path until we have completed the repairs and put the pipe back into service. And then we'll be able to see a lifting of restrictions and a return to normal," Bouchart said.

Bouchart also provided an update about ongoing repairs to sections of the Bearspaw feeder main, noting work along 33rd Avenue N.W. and at Shouldice Park is nearly complete. Most repair sites are in the final stages of backfilling and paving. One remaining site on 33rd Avenue N.W. is still undergoing excavation, while work on 16th Avenue N.W. continues as well.

Bouchart said he's encouraged to see the remaining repair work progressing ahead of schedule. He added that the city will discuss an updated schedule on Thursday with more details on the next steps to complete construction and restore normal water service.