A water main rupture in Calgary’s Bowness area on Tuesday evening resulted in significant flooding, necessitating the rescue of 13 individuals from seven vehicles trapped in the flowing water. Subsequently, a boil-water advisory was issued for sections of Parkdale, Montgomery, and Point McKay neighborhoods. Emergency services responded to the flooding and stranded vehicles along 16th Avenue N.W., where a catastrophic break occurred in June 2024.
Calgary Fire Department’s acting battalion chief, Trevor Sommerfeld, reported substantial flooding below the CPKC rail bridge near 69th Street N.W. Mayor Jeromy Farkas mentioned that this break likely links to the Bearspaw south feeder main, which was also involved in the 2024 rupture. The City of Calgary promptly declared a boil-water advisory for the impacted communities until further notice, recommending residents to boil water before consumption and other uses.
The exact cause and extent of the damage remain uncertain at this point. However, the city emphasized that crews are diligently working to address the situation. Closure of the westbound lanes of 16th Avenue between Home Road and Sarcee Trail was implemented, with Councilor Kim Tyers expressing shock over another water main break in her ward. Farkas urged residents to avoid non-essential travel in the area and assured that more details would be provided as investigations progress.
While the recent flooding is deemed less severe than the 2024 incident, it still poses a significant water volume. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, and authorities are urging people to steer clear of the affected area. The city is evaluating water pressure in neighboring communities and has activated its Emergency Operations Center and Municipal Emergency Plan in response to the flooding. Additionally, Stage 4 Water Restrictions have been enacted, urging residents to reduce both outdoor and indoor water consumption.