Water usage in Calgary drops, but system still strained

Calgarians might be getting the picture when it comes to water conservation as usage dropped a bit on Wednesday.

According to the city's potable water demand dashboard, 500 million litres of water were used by residents and businesses.

"Although a move in the right direction, we are still pushing our system to capacity," a city spokesperson said in a media release.

That's down six million litres from the day before, but right at the point where the city says the water system has been pushed to the limit.

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On Tuesday, the City of Calgary said it can sustain 485 million litres of daily water use while still maintaining its pumps and other infrastructure.

It advises that if you need to water your trees and gardens, to use non-potable water sources such as your rain barrel, grey water or river water from one of the city's river water pick up stations between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

Up to 500 million litres can still be provided, but officials said it comes at the cost of straining equipment and causing difficulties in filling underground water tanks.

Thompson said that bylaw officers have issued 14 tickets for violating Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions, including 10 residential, two commercial and two from multi-family housing.

16 Avenue repairs underway

Starting Thursday, a section of 16 Avenue N.W. will be closed for water main repair work.

Francois Bouchart, the city's director of capital priorities and investment, said pre-construction activity was underway at sites six through eight and that "construction remains on schedule."

The road will close from 46 Street N.W. to the Bowness Road interchange.

Traffic will be detoured onto Bowness Road for the duration of the closure.

Thompson said that the project is on schedule to be completed by Sept. 23.