The boil-water advisory affecting multiple northwest communities has been lifted following ongoing repairs on the Bearspaw south feeder main break by city crews. Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst residents had been under a boil-water advisory since last Tuesday due to a burst pipe causing significant flooding and necessitating the rescue of 13 individuals trapped in flooded vehicles by firefighters.
The advisory was rescinded late Sunday after water testing verified compliance with health and quality standards. Despite the advisory removal, the city urges Calgarians to minimize water consumption, with current usage reaching 495 million liters, surpassing the target of 485 million liters as of Saturday.
Anticipating heightened demand as schools and businesses resume on Monday, the city advises continued water conservation. Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief, Sue Henry, emphasized the importance of reducing water usage to ensure system stability during the critical repair period.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the escalating water consumption issue, urging immediate conservation efforts to prevent compromising emergency services due to excessive water usage. The city has reopened a single eastbound lane on 16th Avenue N.W. from Sarcee Trail to accommodate the morning commute, with westbound lanes between 49th Street N.W. and Sarcee Trail N.W. remaining closed.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes due to ongoing construction activities in the vicinity. City crews are actively working on water removal and excavating the damaged section, with pipe removal operations commencing on Sunday. The cause of the recent water main break, the city’s second catastrophic incident in under two years, remains under investigation.