March 2, 2026
Message from City of Calgary:
The City of Calgary is moving forward with planned reinforcement repairs to support the stability of the current Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM). This work will target up to nine segments of the existing pipe to support operations and stability.
Due to the critical condition of the BSFM and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system, the City is reinforcing sections of pipe that are experiencing enhanced levels of deterioration. These reinforcements are intended to support continued operation of the BSFM until the new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line.
Water restrictions will be in place beginning March 9
The feeder main will be taken out of service to complete construction. During this time, it’s critical that all Calgarians and the surrounding regions use less water. Outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be in effect starting March 9 and is expected to last approximately four weeks. No outdoor water use will be permitted during this time. We also anticipate restrictions will be needed again when we tie in the new parallel pipe.
Outside of the reinforcement work, other scenarios outside of The City’s control, including another break in the feeder main or weather-related conditions such as drought or heat waves, may necessitate implementing outdoor water restrictions at any time.
We recognize the urgency of these issues and their potential economic impact. Until the pipe is fully twinned, it remains at risk of failure. Homes, businesses and yards should be ready for Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and voluntary indoor conservation at any time.
Bylaw Updates
Since the first break in 2024, The City has been connecting directly with industries that rely on outdoor water use to better understand the impacts of water restrictions. We heard about possible solutions that reduce reliance on treated water in construction and irrigation, and about key timing windows during which critical activities occur for these industries. In response to the concerns raised, we made updates to outdoor restrictions in 2024 to support the landscaping industry and others. Most importantly, we amended the Water Utility Bylaw in 2025 to create exemptions for watering new trees, sod and seed during their respective establishment periods from the earlier stages of outdoor watering restrictions.
Resources
• Updates on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Improvements Project can be found www.calgary.ca/bsfmreinforcements
• For timely updates on water restrictions, please keep an eye on www.calgary.ca/savewater
• There are many ways you can conserve water without compromising safety or quality. Please check out our resource library at www.calgary.ca/savewateratwork
Read the letter here (includes links to all resources mentioned in message).
February 20, 2026
Timeline & Duration
- Work begins: March 9
- Duration: Approximately 4 weeks
- Expected to last into early April
- Restrictions anticipated to be lifted before peak watering season
- A planned shutdown is also expected in the fall (dates TBD)
- Final detailed plan to be released soon
Why March?
- Scheduled for spring when river flow is high
- High snowpack improves water availability
- March considered the ideal time to reduce risk to the system
What’s Happening
- The Bearspaw South Feeder Main will be shut down for reinforcement.
- 9–10 pipe segments will receive targeted repairs, focusing on priority risk areas.
- Up to 10 targeted reinforcements planned this spring.
- Pipe is considered critically vulnerable and could fail at any time.
- There is no guarantee additional breaks won’t happen.
- Construction on the replacement pipe is underway now, including micro-tunneling, with full replacement expected by fall/December.
Water Restrictions (March 9 – Early April)
Outdoor Use
- Region-wide outdoor water ban
- No lawn watering, irrigation, or other outdoor water use permitted.
Indoor Use
- Residents asked to reduce indoor use by 30%.
- City-wide water target: 485 million litres per day.
- Exceeding this threshold puts the entire system at risk.
Ongoing Risk
- The feeder main is described as “critically ill.”
- Residents should be prepared for restrictions at any time, even outside planned shutdown periods.
- Additional emergency breaks remain possible.
Additional Updates
- Rain barrel rebate program returns April 1 (YardSmart rain barrels)
- Replacement construction is progressing, aiming for completion by fall 2026.
Landscape Alberta is working with City officials to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.
February 18, 2026
Communication has been ongoing with the City of Calgary about the impacts of water restrictions in the 2026 season. A task force of members met with City officials last week. Exact timelines aren’t available at this time, but the phrase “weeks not months” was used throughout the session. We are working with City official to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.
January 16, 2026
We are pleased to inform you that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main has returned to service, and following careful monitoring, all water restrictions are now lifted effective immediately.
Over the past two weeks, The City of Calgary implemented Stage Four water restrictions to reduce water demand while crews completed the repairs. Thanks to the cooperation and conservation efforts of all our customers, including yourself, we were able to stabilize the system safely and efficiently.
Key Points for Your Operations:
- System Stability: Water has been tested and meets or exceeds all regulatory guidelines for safe drinking water.
- Normal Operations Resumed: You may now resume normal water usage, including refilling processes such as pools or industrial operations, without the need to stagger or limit flows.
- Temporary Water Quality Changes: You may notice temporary cloudiness or a stronger chlorine smell in water immediately after the feeder main return-to-service. Both are normal, safe, and should resolve with regular use. If issues persist after 24 hours, contact 311.
- Planned Future Repairs: Additional pipe repair work is planned for this Spring and Fall, which will require further water restrictions. We will communicate early, so your operations can plan accordingly.
- Unplanned Repairs: If another break occurs - water restrictions will be required and we’ll need to count on your help again.
We sincerely appreciate your support in conserving water during this critical period. Your actions helped protect Calgary’s water system and ensure safe, reliable service for all residents and businesses.
For updates on Calgary’s water system, please visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
January 7, 2026
Calgary Water Main Break – what you need to know
On December 30th, the City of Calgary suffered another critical water main break. Emergency repairs are underway with services to return to normal by mid-January.
Full-scale replacement of 6km of the feeder-main is set to begin in spring of 2026. Currently there are no details on exact construction timelines, but Landscape Alberta has been in contact with the City of Calgary about next steps including additional info on timelines and impacts on industry through the 2026 season based on presumed conservation measures throughout the construction process. Regular water updates will be provided to members as we approach spring.
Ongoing updates can be found here: https://www.calgary.ca/emergencies/feeder-main-repair/bearspaw-water-main-break.html
