Calgary water main break prompts boil water advisory as supply reaches ‘critical’ state
Posted June 5, 2024 6:33 pm.
Last Updated June 6, 2024 9:44 am.
A major water main break in northwest Calgary on Wednesday evening has prompted a boil water advisory for the area, city-wide water restrictions, and closures of major roads, as the city’s water supply becomes critically low.
An extensive water main break was confirmed by the city after flooding was reported along 16 Avenue NW near Home Road around 7 p.m.
Around 5 a.m. Thursday, the city said it had implemented Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions Calgary-wide, while informing residents of Bowness they would need to boil their water. The order requires all residents and businesses in the area to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming it for any purpose, including drinking, brushing teeth, cleaning raw foods, making baby formula, juice, ice, and more.
“This means no watering of any kind outdoors,” said CEMA Chief Sue Henry.
Though the advisory is temporary, city officials say it is unclear how long it will last and it has been issued out of an abundance of caution.
An update on the situation from Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Chief Susan Henry, and City of Calgary Water Services Director Nancy Mackay was given to the public Thursday morning.
Henry says the break is impacting the entire city, not just the neighbourhood directly affected by the break.
“Regardless of where you live in Calgary, this outage will put pressure on all water sources across the city,” she explained. “We’re asking you to make temporary sacrifices so that everyone has access to water for these truly critical issues.”
The city says 500 homes and 100 businesses have been affected by the break so far.
There are currently four water wagons in Bowness for residents to access potable water. They are located Bowness Community Association (4527 77 Street NW), Bow Crest Nursing Home (5927 Bowness Rd NW), Our Lady of Assumption School (7311 34 Ave NW), and Belvedere Parkway School (4631 85 Street NW).
Emergency alert issued due to ‘critical’ levels
At approximately 6:45 a.m., an Alberta Emergency Alert was issued, increasing restrictions for residents of the city — once told to “limit” water use, Calgarians are now being told not to shower, bath, wash dishes, or run appliances that use water as supply levels have reached a “critical state.”
This is apparently affecting the city’s ability to provide water to communities and make sure enough water is available to put out fires if need be.
“Thank you Calgary for doing your part. I realize this morning’s emergency alert was quite jarring, and I appreciate that every paid attention to the need to conserve water right now,” she said.
Area schools impacted
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) says seven schools in the city’s northwest are impacted by the break: Belvedere Parkway School, Bowcroft School, Bowness High School, and Thomas B. Riley School, as well aw two Wood’s Homes sites and Discovering Choices — Bowness.
The division says water has been shut off at these sites and impacted families have been informed.
Contingency plans have been put in place so that there is no disruption in learning and classes can continue as scheduled.
CBE says portable toilets and bottled water are available so students have drinking water and access to bathrooms.
“CBE schools will do their part to conserve water,” the division said in a statement to CityNews. “While these kinds of circumstances are never ideal, students will be safe and space will be available for them to continue to learn.”
The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) to see if any of its schools have been affected.
Low water levels prompt fire bans
Fire Chief Steve Dongworth has implemented a city-wide fire ban, Henry announced Thursday.
“We need to ensure that we have no additional fire risks to the city at this time,” she said.
Airdrie has also implemented a ban on fires to support restricted water usage as a result of the break.
In both Calgary and Airdrie, all existing fire permits are suspended and all residential fire pits and campground fire pits are banned. Residents are also not allowed to use barbecues fueled by charcoal, briquettes, or wood.
Fireworks are also not allowed under the ban.
Natural gas, propane, electric stoves, barbecues, and smokers that are CSA approved or ULC certified are allowed.
The ban is expected to be in place until water conditions improve.
Restrictions spread past city limits
The City of Airdrie has also introduced water restrictions due to the break.
On its website, the city says it is currently under level four outdoor water restrictions, meaning outdoor water use is temporarily banned and indoor water conservation is strongly encouraged.
At this time, Airdronians are asked not to water lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs by any method, wash down any outdoor surfaces, wash cars on driveways or streets, fill outdoor decorative features, fountains, pools, or hot tubs.
Residents are also strongly encouraged to follow indoor water restrictions, including limiting showers and baths, and dishwasher and washing machine use,.
A caller to the CityNews 660 newsroom who lives in the Point McKay area said the water pressure in their home was down to a trickle Wednesday. Several others in the Bowness and Montgomery neighbourhoods have taken to social media to say they have no water.
Traffic impacts
Crews have shut down 16 Avenue NW between 49 Street NW and Home Road. Fire crews are on scene to help deal with the flooding in the area.
Traffic cameras in the area showed water filling all lanes of 16 Avenue NW just west of the intersection with Home Road.
On Wednesday night, Calgary police began advising drivers to avoid 16 Avenue NW between Sarcee Trail NW and Home Road NW due to the break, saying 16 Avenue is closed in both directions and is expected to be shut down for several hours.
ROAD CLOSURE
Avoid 16 Avenue N.W. between Sarcee Trail N.W. and Home Road N.W. due to a major water main break. 16 Avenue N.W. is closed in both directions and is expected to be shut down for a number of hours. Shouldice Park has also been impacted and is closed. pic.twitter.com/dez1tH98Xc
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) June 6, 2024
Shouldice Park has also been closed as a result of the break.
The city advised Thursday morning traffic in the area would be impacted, asking drivers to avoid the area around 16 Avenue and Home Road NW, and plan extra time for their commute.
“The section of 16 Avenue remains closed, and I know that that will make travel difficult for this morning’s commute. Please avoid the impacted area around 16 Avenue and Home Road NW, plan some extra time around your commute as there will be traffic impacts in the area,” Henry said.
Listen to CityNews 660 for the latest traffic updates.
No timeline for repair
City officials say there is no estimated timeline for the break to be repaired. Therefore, there is also no timeline for when the corresponding restrictions will be lifted.
Residents are advised to keep updated via the city’s website and social media pages.
Another update from city officials is expected Thursday afternoon.
CityNews660 will have the latest on this story as it develops. Listen live here.
