Calgary has been experiencing unseasonably hot temperatures in the middle of September, with temperatures feeling more like July. The city broke a longstanding heat record on Friday afternoon, prompting residents to soak up the sun by spending time along the shores of the Bow River. Despite the heat, overall water usage in the city dropped by 9 million litres on Saturday, bringing consumption levels down from “unsustainable” to “strained.” The City of Calgary’s director of climate and environment, Carolyn Bowen, commended residents for reducing water use but emphasized the need for further efforts to prevent strain on city infrastructure.
Calgary resident Steven Shepard expressed his enjoyment of the hot weather, appreciating the break from the harsh winters the city experiences. He shared that he tries to get his errands done early in the morning or goes for a bike ride to make the most of the warmer temperatures. Bowen also acknowledged the challenges faced by the city’s water infrastructure, including pump failures and malfunctions in the treatment process. Despite ongoing repairs and maintenance, the number of bylaw complaints has increased, with violation tickets being issued to ensure compliance with water usage regulations.
The City of Calgary is working to address the issues with its water infrastructure, with repairs on schedule and one section nearly completed. Bowen provided updates on the progress, stating that all 12 pipe repairs have been completed at specific sites, with final stages of backfilling and paving underway to bring roads back online. The city expects the remainder of the repairs on the Bearspaw feeder main to be completed by September 23. Continued efforts are necessary to prevent further strain on the infrastructure and ensure sustainable water usage in the city.
Bowen emphasized the importance of reducing water use and preventing strain on city infrastructure to avoid potential risks associated with maintaining high operational pressure over extended periods. The city experienced pump failures and malfunctions in the treatment process, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and conservation efforts. Despite the challenges, Calgarians are encouraged to continue their efforts in reducing water consumption to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply.
Overall, Calgary residents are enjoying the late summer heat, finding ways to make the most of the warm temperatures before the colder weather sets in. With ongoing repairs and maintenance on the city’s water infrastructure, efforts to reduce water usage and prevent strain on the system are crucial. By working together to conserve water and follow bylaws, residents can help ensure the long-term sustainability of Calgary’s water supply and infrastructure.
