Calgary lifts water restrictions after repaired water main passes tests

Calgary says tests on the repaired Bearspaw South Feeder Main were successful and has lifted water-use restrictions affecting about 1.6 million people; the city said the entire feeder line still needs to be replaced.

Calgary has lifted water-use restrictions after tests on a repaired water main were reported as successful. The limits had been in place for more than two weeks and affected about 1.6 million people in the city and nearby municipalities. The measures followed a rupture of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main in late December. City leaders say more work is required because the entire feeder line still needs replacement. Key facts: - Tests on the repaired section of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main were reported as successful and restrictions were immediately lifted. - About 1.6 million people in Calgary and surrounding municipalities had been asked to reduce shower time, laundry and dish loads, and toilet flushes. - The city also cut back water use at swimming pools and ice rinks while the restrictions were in place. - The Bearspaw South Feeder Main supplies about 60 percent of Calgary's treated water and ruptured in late December; it was the pipe's second break in less than two years. - Mayor Jeromy Farkas described the day as positive but noted the entire line still needs to be replaced. Summary: Lifted restrictions restore normal water use for residents and municipal facilities and ease short-term conservation measures. The city says the damaged feeder line must be replaced in full, and the timeline for that replacement is undetermined at this time.