Calgary council to review independent report on Bearspaw watermain failures

Calgary city councillors are set to receive and discuss a long-awaited independent report examining repeated failures of a major watermain that supplies drinking water to much of the city.

The report focuses on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, a critical piece of infrastructure that delivers treated water to roughly 60 per cent of Calgary residents. The line first ruptured in the summer of 2024, triggering weeks of mandatory water restrictions across the city.

Concerns intensified again late last month when the same watermain ruptured for a second time on Dec. 30, forcing the city to reintroduce conservation measures. Residents have been asked to limit shower times, reduce toilet flushing, and cut back on laundry and dishwashing as repairs continue.

City officials have said the current break is expected to be repaired early next week. However, Mayor Jeromy Farkas has warned that temporary fixes will not resolve the underlying problem and that further disruptions remain likely until the aging feeder main is fully replaced.

The findings of the independent review are expected to inform future decisions on infrastructure investment, timelines for replacement, and how the city manages risk for essential services as Calgary continues to grow.