Great news, #Calgary! 🌊 Mayor Gondek signals potential easing of water restrictions by Thursday. 🌱 Let's stay hopeful and keep conserving water! More updates to come. #Alberta #YYC #WaterConservation
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Calgary Mayor Optimistic About Easing Water Restrictions
In a promising update on Wednesday morning, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed confidence in the city's progress towards easing outdoor water restrictions by Thursday. The city has been under Stage 3 restrictions, limiting outdoor water use to handheld methods like containers and buckets due to a critical water supply issue that arose nearly six weeks ago.
Progress Towards Stage 2 Water Restrictions
Mayor Gondek highlighted the successful operation of an additional pump at the Bearspaw feeder main, a crucial component in the city's water infrastructure. "This morning, I am happy to share with you that as of 2 a.m., we have not detected any new wire snaps since the second pump was turned on," she announced. This development signifies a potential move towards Stage 2 water restrictions, pending further monitoring and evaluation.
Monitoring Water Flow and Pipe Integrity
Efforts to monitor the Bearspaw feeder main include acoustic and pressure monitoring to assess its response to increased water flow. Mayor Gondek emphasized that the pipe has managed the heightened flow well, thanks to proactive measures taken by the water management team. "The work the water team did in preparation for turning on an additional pump has paid off," she noted, citing minimized pressure spikes and effective management of water flow.
Financial Implications and Repair Efforts
Michael Thompson, the general manager of infrastructure services, provided insights into the costs associated with repairing the feeder main. He estimated the expenses to be in the tens of millions, assuring the public that these costs will be covered from a reserve fund within the water utility, ensuring no impact on property tax rates.
Moving Forward: What to Expect
Currently, under Stage 3 restrictions, Calgarians can only use handheld methods for outdoor watering. However, recent adjustments have expanded Stage 3 allowances to include irrigation system maintenance by authorized personnel. Once Stage 2 is implemented, residents can anticipate more flexibility, including limited use of garden sprinklers and hose watering with spray nozzles.
Future Updates and Community Engagement
Mayor Gondek pledged to provide another update on Thursday morning regarding the city's readiness to transition to Stage 2 water restrictions. This ongoing communication aims to keep residents informed and engaged in the city's water conservation efforts.
Conclusion
As Calgary navigates through these critical water supply challenges, the efforts of city officials and the community's cooperation remain pivotal. The potential easing of water restrictions signifies a significant milestone in restoring normalcy to outdoor water use in Calgary. Stay tuned for further updates as the city continues its proactive measures towards sustainable water management.