A major water main break in northwest Calgary on Wednesday evening has prompted a boil water advisory for the area, city-wide water restrictions, closures of major roads, and 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.
“We are confirming the full extent of the impacts and will provide more information as soon as we know more information,” reads a statement from the City of Calgary Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
A caller to the CityNews 660 newsroom who lives in the Point McKay area says the water pressure in their home was down to a trickle. Several others in the Bowness and Montgomery neighbourhoods have taken to social media to say they have no water.
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.
Listen to CityNews 660 for the latest traffic updates.
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 is expected at 7:30 a.m.