A catastrophic water main break is impacting Calgary, Alberta, forcing city officials to activate the Municipal Emergency Plan and impose Level 4 outdoor watering restrictions along with voluntary indoor water restrictions.
On the evening of Wednesday, June 5, an extensive water main break occurred in Bowness. This significant break affected a critical water main that supplies water across the city.
City officials have yet to determine the cause of the “catastrophic” water main break that flooded northwest Calgary, restricted access for residents in several neighborhoods, and reduced the city’s water supply to critical levels.
Crews are working to repair the large water main break in the Bowness/Montgomery area. This break is on a crucial transmission line that moves water throughout Calgary.
The break, which closed traffic access to 16th Avenue near Home Road N.W., has impacted the entire city. The consequences range from affecting schools to city-operated recreational centers. Stage 4 restrictions are now in place, prohibiting all outdoor watering and urging all Calgarians to avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, or running any appliances that use water.
The crisis extends beyond city limits, prompting Chestermere, Airdrie, and Strathmore to issue bans on outdoor water use and advisories suggesting voluntary indoor restrictions.
The city urges residents to:
▪️ Delay using dishwashers and washing machines.
▪️ Limit shower times and keep baths shallow.
▪️ Turn off humidifiers and ice machines.
▪️ Turn off water taps when not in use.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the boil-water order was issued for the affected areas, which we knew Bowness was one that had low pressure, like yesterday evening,” said Dr. Franco Rizzuti of Alberta Health Services at a press conference.
All residents and businesses in Bowness 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.
The city is working closely with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and Alberta Health Services to resolve the situation and ensure water quality.
Officials have not provided a timeline for repairs.