Calgary Water Main: Decades of Neglect Exposed

An independent panel's report has shed light on systemic issues leading to Calgary's water main failures, pointing to decades of missed opportunities for critical infrastructure inspection. The Bearspaw South feeder main, identified as vulnerable after a similar 2004 rupture, faced deferred maintenance despite multiple recommendations for inspection over the years. The panel concluded that the city's risk tolerance for essential infrastructure has been excessively high, likening the situation to a plane crash caused by a faulty part that is not replaced.

The report suggests that while infrastructure is lagging nationwide, Calgary's situation is exacerbated by rapid population growth and high maintenance costs due to its sprawling nature. This has led to growth investments consistently overshadowing necessary resilience and redundancy upgrades. The panel emphasized that the current Bearspaw feeder main is in disrepair and unreliable, underscoring the urgency for its replacement.

To address the ongoing crisis, the panel is advocating for an accelerated timeline to install a new steel pipe, targeting completion within 12 to 14 months, by early 2027. City officials are reportedly prepared to expedite this project significantly. Furthermore, the report recommends establishing a new, accountable water utility department, drawing comparisons to the structure of Edmonton's EPCOR, to ensure better oversight and performance management of critical water systems.