The City of Calgary is going ahead with a third party incident review into the factors that led to a water main feeder bursting on June 5, which resulting in the current water crisis for Calgary and its surrounding communities utilizing Calgary's water source.
According to an update on June 18, the review will aim to understanding the factors that led to the failure, understanding of current practices for inspection and asset sustainability, and make recommendations to improve Calgary's water supply resilience moving forward.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the Glenmore treatment facility continues to the the primary source of water for the City and its nearby communities. She commended residents for limiting their water consumption, stating they are below the threshold and within range of water storage. Yesterday, the city consumed roughly 450 million litres of water.
While the main break has been repaired, crews continue to work around the clock on the five remaining hotspots before the tap can be turned back on.
Of the five areas, Calgary already has parts for three areas and yesterday, the San Diego Water Authority, shipped two more pieces. They are expected to arrive tomorrow when they will be sandblasted and coated before installing. Once the feeder main is fixed and flushed it will be tested for safe consumption.
Calgary's CAO David Duckworth explained that the hot spots are not leaks but are identified structural deficiencies requiring immediate repair. To avoid a similar failure what was just experienced, these also need to be repaired.
Duckworth added that three to five more weeks of water restrictions will be required but that the City will provide an updated schedule by the end of the week.
Yesterday at 2 p.m. the City of Calgary announced that festivals and events such as the Calgary Stampede will be going ahead in a responsible way. Calgary is still open to visitors but everyone is asked to follow the water restrictions and water conservation.
Calgary, Airdrie, and other surrounding communities remain under a level four outdoor water restriction.
