Calgary city officials confirmed that crews responded late Tuesday evening when a major water pipe ruptured on 16 Avenue Northwest, east of Sarcee Trail. The break was identified as part of the Bearspaw South feeder main, a critical artery in the city’s treated water distribution network. The City of Calgary immediately opened the Emergency Operations Centre and activated its Municipal Emergency Plan to manage the unfolding situation.

The rupture prompted Alberta Health Services and municipal authorities to declare a boil water advisory for residents and businesses in the Montgomery, Parkdale and Point McKay neighbourhoods. Residents in the advisory area were told to bring tap water to a rolling boil before consuming or using it for cooking, oral hygiene or preparing drinks and infant formula.

City staff reported traffic disruptions on 16 Avenue NW and urged motorists to avoid the affected area while repair operations are underway. In addition to immediate water quality precautions, officials requested that homeowners and businesses reduce indoor water usage where possible to help stabilize supply while crews assess and address the damage.

The bearspaw feeder main is part of a larger infrastructure system that distributes treated water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant throughout Calgary and surrounding communities. The city has previously undertaken extensive repairs on this feeder main following a catastrophic failure in June 2024, with work in recent months focusing on stabilizing and preparing for long-term infrastructure improvements.

Updates on traffic impacts and water service conditions are being posted by city officials as the response progresses. Residents without water or those spotting additional break sites are advised to contact municipal services.