Calgary has entered a state of local emergency following a catastrophic water main break near the Sarcee Trail and 16 Avenue N.W. interchange. The incident, which began Tuesday evening, has caused widespread flooding and immediate water security concerns for the region.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Immediate Impact & Rescues
- Emergency Rescues: Calgary Fire Department crews utilized high-water vehicles to rescue 13 individuals stranded in their cars as water levels rose rapidly in the freezing temperatures.
- Service Outages: Roughly 2,100 customers (residents and businesses) in the Bowness area are currently without running water.
- Boil Water Advisory: A mandatory Boil Water Order has been issued for the communities of Montgomery, Parkdale, and Point McKay.
The Infrastructure Connection
The break is confirmed to be on the Bearspaw South Feedermain. This is a critical artery for Calgary’s water network; its failure is particularly concerning as it follows the major rupture of the same line in June 2024.
Mandatory Water Restrictions
To preserve the city’s remaining treated water supply, Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions have been reinstated city-wide.
| Category | Restriction Level | Action Required |
| Outdoor Use | Prohibited | No watering lawns, washing cars, or filling rinks. |
| Indoor Use | Voluntary/Strict | Limit showers to 3 mins; flush only when necessary. |
| Business | Restricted | Non-essential water use must be halted. |
Traffic and Commuting
The area surrounding the break remains a “no-go” zone. Westbound 16 Avenue N.W. is completely closed from Home Road to Sarcee Trail. Heavy machinery is moving into the area to begin the “excavate and assess” phase, which is expected to take several days.
