Advisory for CALGARY, Alberta

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CALGARY

Type: Severe Shortage  -  Active

Issued: 3/9/2026

Details:


SEVERE SHORTAGE Monday, March 9th – Stage 4 Water Restrictions went into effect for all users of Calgarys Municipal WS, including Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Tsuut'ina Nation. Pumps at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant (WTP) were turned off and valves were closed isolating the Bearspaw Feeder Main so crews could get to work reinforcing nine pipe segments that are showing signs of structural deterioration. This remedial work is intended to stabilize the water main until its replacement line is complete. Construction of a new distribution line is being done in tandem with the repair work. 

The Bearspaw Reservoir is the source for drinking water for approximately 1.4 million customers in the Calgary region. The Bearspaw WTP typically satisfies about 60-65% of the water demand, capable of temporarily meeting operational needs in the event of a shut-down of the Glenmore WTP.

While the Bearspaw WTP is off-line, for the next four weeks, Water Conservation is imperative as the Glenmore WTP production capacity is less than that of the Bearpaw WTP.  Should daily water consumption exceed 500 million litres, it will: jeopardize sufficient water supply to fight fires, compromise water quality triggering a boil water advisory from low water levels or lack of pressure, and risk WTP or system failure resulting in no water production.  

Stage 4 Water Restrictions will remain in place until the WTP is brought back on-line and residents are no longer solely relying on the Glenmore WTP.

Following two catastrophic breaks in the Bearspaw Feeder Main, occurring on June 5, 2024 and Dec 30, 2025, there have been 29 pipe segment repairs to support the stabilization of main line. The City of Calgary is now relentlessly targeting to complete the construction of the new Bearspaw Feeder Main by the end of the year.