Calgary’s Water Infrastructure: Risks Persist Until 2035

Risk remains high for Calgary’s drinking water supply until 2035, as detailed in a recent city asset management report. According to the report, several plant and transmission risks will persist until comprehensive assessment, mitigation, and redundancy measures are fully implemented. The absence of current, actionable asset management plans was a contributing factor to the Bearspaw South feeder main failure, which led to the current state of infrastructure.

The findings indicate that near-term funding is adequate, but the pace of mitigation is limited by the need to take infrastructure offline for assessment or renewal. For wastewater, several extensive and high-risk areas will remain until ongoing assessments improve the risk understanding. The city is proactively addressing these risks, but the timeline to full mitigation is extended.

For expats and digital nomads living in Calgary, this means ongoing vigilance regarding water quality and potential disruptions. If you notice any changes in water quality or if there are any public advisories, take appropriate precautions and stay informed through local news updates. The city is working towards a safer and more reliable water supply, but it will take several years to fully address the existing risks.