The recent boil-water advisory that affected several northwest communities has now been lifted following the repair of the Bearspaw south feeder main break by city crews. Residents in Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst were placed under the advisory after a burst pipe caused significant flooding and necessitated the rescue of 13 individuals trapped in their vehicles by firefighters.
The advisory was officially rescinded late on Sunday after testing confirmed that the water quality met all health standards. Despite the lifting of the advisory, the city is stressing the importance of continued water conservation. Water usage in Calgary had reached 495 million litres by Saturday, exceeding the target of 485 million litres.
With the impending return of students to school and the resumption of regular work activities on Monday, the city anticipates a surge in water demand. Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief, Sue Henry, emphasized the ongoing need to reduce water consumption to stabilize the water system while repairs are being carried out.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the critical situation in a recent statement, warning that unsustainable water usage levels could jeopardize firefighting and emergency response capabilities. He urged citizens to conserve water to protect lives and maintain essential services.
In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours, the city has reopened one eastbound lane on 16th Avenue N.W. for the first time since the feeder main break. The lane can be accessed from Sarcee Trail, while westbound lanes between 49th Street N.W. and Sarcee Trail N.W. remain closed. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes due to ongoing construction activities in the area.
City crews are actively engaged in water removal and excavation at the site, with the pipe removal phase of the repair commencing on Sunday. The cause of the recent water main break, the second catastrophic incident in less than two years, remains unknown.