Water usage in Calgary has shown a sustained decline, moving from critical to strained levels as city crews make significant progress in refilling a crucial feeder main that ruptured in late December. While the trend is encouraging, officials emphasize that conservation efforts must continue until the system is fully restored and deemed safe.
Water Consumption Trends in the Right Direction
According to the city's potable water demand dashboard, Calgarians used 493 million litres of water on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This marks the first time since January 3 that daily consumption has not been classified as unsustainable. While this figure is still slightly above the sustainable threshold of 485 million litres set while the Bearspaw South feeder main is offline, it represents a crucial step in the right direction.
"Calgarians have been stepping up, and it’s helping," said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry in a Sunday news release. "We are getting closer to where we need to be, but we aren’t there yet. Every litre saved helps us protect our system and make sure there’s enough water for essential services."
Ongoing Repairs and Next Steps
The positive consumption data comes as work continues on the vital northwest Bearspaw South feeder main, which catastrophically ruptured for the second time on December 30. The pipe normally supplies about 60 percent of the drinking water for Calgary and surrounding communities.
Crews have been slowly reintroducing water into the repaired conduit, a process involving 22 million litres. Once the pipe is completely filled, the next critical phase will involve comprehensive water quality testing and system stabilization. The city has stated that water use restrictions will only be eased once the system is confirmed to be safe and fully stable.
Flood Precautions Amid Repressurization
Given the main's history—two catastrophic breaks within 18 months—the city is taking no chances during the repressurization process. Proactive flood prevention measures are being implemented along the Bow River pathway as a precaution.
Michael Thompson, the city’s general manager of infrastructure services, outlined the steps being taken. These include removing two sections of a river berm along Montgomery Boulevard N.W. and installing temporary barriers on Parkdale Boulevard between 30th and 33rd Street. Additionally, pumps are on standby, catch basins are being cleared, and manhole covers are being adjusted to manage potential floodwater from another break.
Officials continue to urge all residents on the municipal drinking water system to maintain conservation practices. Key requests include limiting toilet flushes, taking shorter showers, and ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are run only with full loads. The collective effort remains essential to ensure sufficient water reserves for emergency services, particularly fire response, until the feeder main is back in full operation.
