Calgary Launches Urgent Program to Combat 22% Water Loss

UPDATE: Calgary has lost a staggering 22% of its treated water supply due to leaks, prompting the city to launch an accelerated program aimed at addressing this urgent issue. The alarming situation, exacerbated by last June’s catastrophic Bearspaw feeder main break, has forced officials to take decisive action to stem these significant losses.

The city reports an estimated 115 million litres of treated water leaks from its distribution system daily, enough to fill 46 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Despite efforts to manage the problem for decades, water loss has remained above 20% for the past five years, peaking at 24% in 2019.

City officials, including Utilities Project Development Manager Monica Bramley, acknowledge the challenges, stating, “We have over 5,400 kilometres of pipe in the system, and looking for leaks is like looking for needles in haystacks.” The situation has been compounded by factors such as corrosion, leaky valves, and even property owners contributing to the problem.

Calgary is now aiming to reduce water loss to 10% by 2027, following recommendations from a third-party review. The new program includes enhanced leak detection, valve cycling, and advanced metering infrastructure, all designed to identify and fix leaks more effectively.

This year alone, the city has replaced 7,800 metres of water mains, with plans to increase that number to 10,000 metres next year and 15,000 metres each year for the following three years. This proactive approach is essential as droughts and water stress become increasingly pressing issues.

Civil engineering professor Kerry Black from the University of Calgary emphasizes the financial implications of water loss, highlighting that treating water for distribution incurs significant costs. “It’s basically like flushing water down the drain because it costs you so much to treat that water,” she stated. The recent Bearspaw break has heightened awareness among citizens, prompting a collective call for stronger initiatives.

As Calgary moves forward with its ambitious plans, other cities facing similar challenges may look to its strategies as a model. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; immediate action is crucial to safeguard Calgary’s water resources and ensure sustainable management for the future.

Stay tuned for further updates as Calgary tackles this vital infrastructure issue head-on.