Salt used to keep winter roads safe is also endangering municipal water systems

If all goes according to plan, Calgarians will be able to return to their bathrooms this week without worrying that a simple flush of the toilet could push the city’s ailing water system toward another catastrophe.

For nearly two weeks, residents have faced emergency water restrictions as city crews repair the second major rupture in 18 months along a water main that supplies up to 60 per cent of the municipality’s potable water. Officials anticipate easing restrictions early this week but warned that the frail Bearspaw South Feeder Main could blow again before a more permanent solution is ready.