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Calgary Water Main Failure Attributed to Multiple Causes

Preliminary findings reveal a combination of factors contributed to the rupture of Calgary's critical water feeder main in June.

Crews continue to work to repair a major water main break and five other weak spots in Calgary on June 22, 2024. A preliminary report into the feeder main failure in Calgary that led to two rounds of water restrictions earlier this year has indicated that it wasn't caused by any one factor. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Overview

  • Investigations indicate that microcracking, high chloride soil levels, and wire corrosion contributed to the water main failure.
  • The rupture of the Bearspaw south feeder main in June led to citywide water restrictions in Calgary.
  • Built in 1975, the feeder main is crucial for Calgary, supplying 60% of the city's treated water.
  • Rehabilitation work on the feeder main is nearly complete, with only two wire snaps recorded recently compared to 23 earlier.
  • The city plans to present the preliminary findings to the public on November 26, with a final report expected in December.