The City of Calgary has issued a boil water advisory for multiple communities in the city's northwest quadrant following a significant water main rupture. The incident, which occurred on December 31, 2025, has prompted immediate public health measures and is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions as repair crews mobilize.
Immediate Public Health Advisory Issued
Residents in the affected northwest neighbourhoods are now under a mandatory boil water order. The City of Calgary advises that all tap water intended for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth, or making ice must be boiled at a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute before use. This precaution is essential to protect against potential bacterial contamination that can enter a water distribution system when pressure drops, as happened during this break.
The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. City officials have stated that water samples will be tested and the advisory will only be lifted once the safety of the water supply is confirmed over two consecutive days of testing.
Traffic and Water Use Restrictions Expected
In addition to the public health directive, the rupture is anticipated to create considerable traffic headaches. Repair work will necessitate road closures and lane reductions in the area surrounding the break. Commuters are urged to seek alternate routes and expect delays.
Concurrently, the city has announced water restrictions for the impacted zones. These restrictions are designed to conserve water and maintain reservoir levels while the damaged main is isolated and repaired. Residents are asked to limit non-essential water use, such as:
- Watering lawns or gardens
- Washing vehicles
- Filling swimming pools or hot tubs
The city's water services team is on-site and working to assess the full extent of the damage and develop a repair timeline.
Ongoing Response and Resident Guidance
The City of Calgary is coordinating its response through its municipal operations centre. Updates on the repair progress, the specific communities under the advisory, and the duration of restrictions will be provided through the city's official website and social media channels.
For residents under the boil water advisory, the city recommends using bottled water as an alternative for drinking and cooking if boiling is not feasible. While the water may still be used for showering and laundry, care should be taken to avoid swallowing any water during bathing. Pet owners should also provide their animals with boiled or bottled water.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical nature of municipal infrastructure. The city has not yet released an estimated cost for the repairs or a cause for the break, but a full investigation is expected once the immediate crisis is resolved.
