Work underway to twin Calgary feeder main that caused water crisis

Calgary’s Response to the Bearspaw Feeder Main Rupture

1. Introduction to the Incident and Its Impact

In the summer of the previous year, the City of Calgary faced a significant crisis when a section of the Bearspaw feeder main ruptured. This critical infrastructure, responsible for supplying approximately 60% of the city’s drinking water, failed, leading to months of water restrictions. The incident underscored the vulnerability of Calgary’s water supply system, prompting an urgent review of its infrastructure. The rupture not only caused operational challenges but also had a ripple effect on local businesses and residents, who endured disruptions and inconvenience during the repair period. This event served as a stark reminder of the need for proactive infrastructure management to prevent future occurrences.

2. The Proposed Solution: Twinning the Feeder Main

In response to the rupture, city officials proposed twinning up to five kilometers of the Bearspaw feeder main, particularly sections constructed from pre-stressed concrete cylindrical pipe (PCCP), the material implicated in the failure. This approach aims to create redundancy, ensuring that if one pipe fails, the other can maintain water supply without interruption. Steve Wyton, the city’s asset management manager, emphasized the long-term benefits of twinning, which includes enhanced safety and operational reliability. While the existing pipe’s future use is yet to be determined, the twinning project represents a vital step in modernizing Calgary’s water infrastructure.

3. Innovative Construction Method: Microtunnelling

To minimize disruption, the City of Calgary is considering microtunnelling for the twinning project. This method involves boring tunnels to lay the new pipe with minimal surface impact, reducing the need for road closures and property disturbances. Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong highlighted the benefits, noting that only access shafts for the tunnel boring machine would be necessary. This approach contrasts with a previously considered liner installation, which would have caused prolonged service disruptions and significant construction impacts over several years. Microtunnelling offers a more efficient and less intrusive solution, aligning with the city’s goal of reducing inconvenience to residents and businesses.

4. Impact on Residents and Businesses

The aftermath of the feeder main rupture was felt deeply by local businesses, particularly in the Bowness and Montgomery neighborhoods. Shawn Kearns, owner of Greenbriar Market + Refillery, recounted the challenging summer, where customer traffic slowed due to the chaos of repairs. This experience underscores the broader implications of infrastructure failures on community vitality. Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp expressed empathy for the affected areas, stressing the importance of proactive communication with the public to alleviate future stress. As the city moves forward with the twinning project, addressing these concerns is crucial to rebuilding trust and ensuring community resilience.

5. Broader Infrastructure Investments

The Bearspaw feeder main twinning is part of a larger strategy to enhance Calgary’s water system. Upcoming projects include upgrades to the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, expansion of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, and new feeder mains for developing communities. These investments, supported by over $1 billion in approved borrowing from the 2025 budget, aim to increase system capacity and redundancy. Coun. Sharp pointed out that previous deferrals of infrastructure maintenance have caught up with the city, stressing the need for sustained focus on infrastructure to support Calgary’s growth and quality of life.

6. Looking Ahead: Implications and Future Considerations

The Bearspaw feeder main rupture was attributed to microcracking and corrosive soil conditions, as detailed in a comprehensive report by Associated Engineering. While the city aims to commence construction by year-end, councillors like Terry Wong acknowledge the challenges of managing multiple projects simultaneously. Effective project management will be crucial to meeting deadlines and delivering improvements. This initiative serves as a turning point, highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment for Calgary’s future. By learning from past challenges and embracing proactive strategies, the city can build a more resilient and sustainable water system for its residents.