Overview of the Findings
An independent review into Calgary’s 2024 feeder main rupture has delivered a damning assessment of how the city has governed and managed its water utility assets over the last two decades. While the immediate concern was a single catastrophic failure, the review frames the event as the symptom of broader, persistent governance and operational gaps that have accumulated over time. The result is a city wrestling with questions about accountability, risk management, and the effectiveness of its water system as a public service.
Systemic Gaps in Governance and Oversight
The report highlights that the root causes extend beyond the faulty valve or the rupture itself. It points to systemic gaps in governance structures, including unclear lines of responsibility, fragmented decision-making, and insufficient integration between planning, operations, and maintenance. These weaknesses inhibited rapid, coordinated responses when the crisis emerged and limited the ability to anticipate and mitigate risk before it escalated.
Experts quoted in the review describe a pattern where critical information was not shared promptly, and where risk controls were either inconsistent or under-resourced. In major municipal utilities like Calgary’s, such gaps can compound over time, creating vulnerability to events that would otherwise be manageable with robust, well-coordinated processes.
Asset Management and Maintenance Practices
The document emphasizes deficiencies in how water infrastructure assets—pipes, valves, pressure regulators, and monitoring systems—have been tracked, inspected, and maintained. A mature asset management program requires reliable data, regular condition assessments, and proactive replacement schedules. The report argues that Calgary’s program fell short on several fronts, including data quality, long-range planning, and a process for escalating maintenance based on risk and criticality.
Consequences of these shortfalls include delayed repairs, reactive rather than preventive maintenance, and higher risk of unplanned outages. The review recommends adopting standardized industry practices for asset lifecycle management, improving data governance, and aligning maintenance budgets with defined risk thresholds to reduce the likelihood of future failures.
Operational Readiness and Crisis Response
Another significant finding concerns operational readiness. The review notes gaps in incident response protocols, emergency communications, and coordination with partners such as provincial agencies and neighboring municipalities. When a feeder main ruptures, swift isolation of the affected segment, accurate public messaging, and efficient rerouting of water supply become critical to minimizing disruption. The report calls for rehearsed crisis playbooks, clearer command structures, and ongoing training for staff to ensure resilience under pressure.
Accountability, Transparency, and Public Trust
Beyond technical issues, the review addresses accountability and transparency. Citizens expect that a city’s water system is well-governed, that problems are openly acknowledged, and that steps are taken to prevent recurrence. The report urges independent auditing, clearer reporting to council, and more accessible public information about risks, performance targets, and progress on remediation efforts.
Recommended Reforms and Path Forward
Officials are urged to adopt a comprehensive reform plan that integrates governance improvements with technical upgrades. Key recommendations include establishing a centralized governance framework for water assets, implementing a robust asset management system, and creating a dedicated response team for water emergencies. The plan should prioritize critical infrastructure upgrades, data integrity, and a culture of proactive risk management.
Public communication is also a focus: municipalities should commit to transparent updates about progress, timelines, and how residents can expect improved reliability. While reforms take time, the report underscores that the city can build back stronger by treating water infrastructure as a strategic asset requiring sustained investment, oversight, and accountability.
What This Means for Calgary Residents
For residents, the takeaway is a promise of stronger, more reliable service and a governance framework designed to prevent repeat failures. The city’s ability to reassure the public will depend on implementing the report’s recommendations with clear milestones and measurable results. As Calgary charts this course, the overarching goal remains straightforward: safeguard public health, ensure continuous access to clean water, and restore trust through responsible stewardship of essential municipal assets.
