After city workers repaired the Bearspaw south feeder main break, the boil-water advisory affecting several northwest communities has been lifted. Residents of Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst were placed under the advisory following a burst pipe incident that caused significant flooding and necessitated the rescue of 13 individuals trapped in their vehicles by the rushing water.
The advisory was lifted late on Sunday after water testing confirmed it met all health and quality standards. Despite the advisory being lifted, the city is urging Calgarians to continue conserving water. Water usage in the city reached 495 million liters by Saturday, exceeding the target of 485 million liters. With the return of students to school and people to work on Monday, the city anticipates a surge in water demand.
Sue Henry, Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the ongoing necessity to reduce water consumption. Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the critical need for water conservation to ensure essential services are not compromised due to excessive usage.
In preparation for the increased demand during the morning rush, the city has reopened one eastbound lane on 16th Avenue N.W. for the first time since the feeder main break. The lane can be accessed eastbound from Sarcee Trail, while the westbound lanes between 49th Street N.W. and Sarcee Trail N.W. remain closed. Drivers are advised to consider alternative routes due to ongoing construction work in the area.
City crews are actively working on site, draining water and excavating the damaged section. The pipe removal phase of the repair commenced on Sunday afternoon. The cause of the second catastrophic water main break in less than two years remains unknown.