Update: Major water main break. Calgarians asked to reduce consumption
CALGARY – The City of Calgary continues to ask Calgarians and surrounding communities to conserve water as crews work on a watermain break at 16 Ave. near Home Rd. N.W.
“We need Calgarians to help us in reducing their water use as we continue to deal with this incident,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry.
Given the location of the break and an initial assessment, the break is related to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, prompting the City to open the Emergency Operations Centre and move to Stage 4 Water Restrictions.
“Calgary relies on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to transport the majority of its water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment plant, which is the largest of the two plants in the city,” said Henry.
“With the Feeder Main out of service, we have had to make emergency adjustments in our underground pipe network to move water from the smaller Glenmore Water Treatment Plant throughout the city. This means that we have less water to meet the demands of the entire city and surrounding communities. This is why it is so important for people to reduce their use.”
While the water remains safe to drink in most of the city, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has declared a Boil Water Advisory for portions of the Parkdale, Montgomery Point McKay and West Hillhurst neighbourhoods. An updated map of the impacted area is up on calgary.ca.
All residents and businesses within this area are advised to bring all tap water to a rolling boil for one full minute prior to any consumption, including:
- drinking
- brushing teeth
- cleaning raw foods
- preparing infant formula or juices
- making ice, etc.
For more information on Boil Water Advisories and using water safely when an advisory is in place, resources for homeowners and businesses is available here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page15235.aspx#boilwater
City of Calgary Water Director Nancy McKay said crews are making progress.
“This is a break along the same Bearspaw South Feeder Main pipe that broke in June 2024, on which we made a series of repairs,” said McKay.
“By early this morning, the Water team had identified the location of the break. Crews are now digging at the site and taking water and debris out of the hole. We will continue to work to repair this pipe as quickly as possible.”
In order to make sure there is enough water for the most important needs, we are asking residents of Calgary, and our neighbours in Airdrie, Chestermere, Tsuu’tina Nation and Strathmore to take steps to save water in the following ways:
- Limit showers to under 3 minutes.
- Flush toilets only when necessary.
- Run dishwashers and laundry only when full.
These voluntary actions will help ensure water is available for everyone.
Indoor facilities such as pools, rinks and recreation facilities are advised to implement their water reduction plans.
We will provide updates when information is available via local media, social media, 311 and calgary.ca.
Note: 16th Avenue N.W. at Sarcee Trail remains closed in both directions and motorists are asked to avoid the area. The latest road detour information is available at https://www.calgary.ca/roads/conditions/traffic.html