Calgary to begin reinforcing faulty water main, bring back water restrictions

CALGARY — Looming water restrictions for residents in Alberta’s largest city will be a bit more lenient this time around, but officials maintain that every flush counts.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which carries 60 per cent of Calgary’s treated water, first ruptured in June 2024 and burst again in December.

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas says a third set of water restrictions will allow city crews to reinforce the feeder main.

He says there’s also a plan to build a replacement pipe that runs parallel to it.

Restrictions, including shorter showers and fewer toilet flushes, are to begin March 9 and last about four weeks.

Officials say the city is increasing its daily water threshold to roughly 500 million litres, up from 485 million, after residents in January failed to stay below the lower metric.

“I know some Calgarians will feel frustrated,” said Farkas at a news conference Monday.

“Some may roll their eyes at another request for conservation, and I understand that. It’s a lot to do, but it’s very small actions that can have a huge impact across our city.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.

Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press