Topic
Bearspaw feeder main and Calgary water restrictions
Calgary is under Stage 4 water restrictions while crews connect the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main, one of the last steps before the replacement pipe goes into service in December.
What you need to know
- Stage 4 restrictions took effect Nov. 4, 2026. No outdoor water use is allowed, and fines start at $3,000.
- The restrictions also cover Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore and Tsuut'ina Nation.
- The City expects the shutdown to last about four weeks. As of Nov. 9, it estimated about three and a half weeks of restrictions remained.
- While the old pipe is off, Calgary relies mainly on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant. The system can supply up to 500 million litres a day.
- The City asks for full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, showers of three minutes or less, and flushing only when needed.
- Crews are tying the new pipe in at 89 Street NW, 83 Street NW and the Shaganappi Pump Station near Edworthy Park.
- A separate leak on the Edgemont feeder main in the northwest will take that pipe out of service for repairs, leaving the system with less backup.
- Once the tie-in is done, the old pipe restarts and restrictions lift, and the new pipe is expected to take over in mid-December.
Timeline
Our coverage
- Local ·
Bearspaw water demand remains below target for five days as connection work advances
Calgary’s November 9 update reports Sunday consumption of 487 million litres while crews prepare for around-the-clock pipe connection work.
News Desk - Local ·
Bearspaw review cost reaches $2.3 million, with most paid to panel chair
Newly disclosed compensation records show the chair of Calgary’s independent feeder-main review received roughly $1.8 million.
News Desk - Local ·
Bearspaw replacement reaches 95 per cent as Calgary prepares for November water shutdown
The new main is nearly installed, but a four-week connection shutdown and Parkdale roadwork will disrupt water use and traffic.
News Desk