Calgary crews continue around the clock work on the five water main break hotspots along their main water feeder pipe, however, some problems have risen according to City of Calgary Infrastructure Services general manager Michael Thompson in an afternoon update on June 20.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek explained that work is still set to conclude on July 5, and the removal of hotspot locations has reached its halfway point; but Thompson highlighted some complications that have come to light with repairs.
Thompson stated that most of the pipe systems in Calgary were installed 50 years ago, and due to its custom fitting, the damaged pipe could not be removed without causing collateral damage to adjacent piping.
“When we exposed one of the hotspots, we found the damaged pipe was in a location which changes grade and the pipe is encased in a large concrete block,” said Thompson.
Instead of removal, Thompson explained that crews will structurally reinforce the section that cannot be removed. Crews will maintain caution as they continue with repair at the site.
Gondek noted that the City of Calgary is working with local contractors to open up two non-potable water spots along the Bow River to help support landscaping and construction projects during stage 4 water restrictions.
Calgarians are nearly 24 per cent below normal water use with 454 million litres of water used on Wednesday according to Gondek. She encourages Calgarians to continue their side of the work as repairs continue.
