Rocky Mountain House has approved $450,000 in expedited water main repairs near Hwy. 752 after two recent failures cost the town $85,000 in unexpected repairs.

The water main in the Old Town area, built in 1981, was originally scheduled for replacement in 2027 as part of the town’s 10-year capital plan.

–

RELATED

• Crews respond to water main break near Old Town

–

However, the failures, which began in the summer of 2025 and included the most recent rupture on May 12, forced council to take more immediate action.

The condition of the pipe is “fairly lousy,” says town engineering technologist Sean LaFrance, who noted that repair clamps intended to extend the life of the line are becoming less effective while consuming significant staff time.

Each break in the area also results in the loss of approximately 500 cubic metres of water.

Administration says the high flow volume has damaged the bottom of the pipe over time, creating weak points through corrosion holes.

Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt raised concerns about businesses affected by the work. One affected business is a closed gas station, while two others indicated that short-term water interruptions would not be a major concern.

While excavation is underway, administration recommended replacing the line with higher-quality HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe and installing it at an approximate depth of 10 feet rather than the current 16 feet.

The approach is expected to reduce costs by avoiding full road paving.

Council approved $450,000 for the repairs, which are scheduled for 2026. The funds will come from the town’s infrastructure and water reserves.