A significant rupture of a major water pipe in northwest Calgary has plunged parts of the city into a water crisis, prompting immediate restrictions and emergency response. The break, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, near the intersection of 16th Avenue and Sarcee Trail N.W., sent torrents of water flooding the area, stranding approximately ten vehicles and their occupants.
City-Wide Restrictions and Localized Boil Water Order
In response to the break, the City of Calgary has activated its Municipal Emergency Plan and implemented Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions. This mandates a halt to all non-essential outdoor water use, including the filling of rinks, snow-making, and other large-scale outdoor applications. Indoor facilities like pools and recreation centres have been advised to enact their water reduction plans immediately.
Furthermore, all Calgarians are being urged to voluntarily reduce indoor water consumption. Residents are asked to take shorter showers, limit toilet flushing, and only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to conserve the city's water supply during the repair period.
For residents in specific communities downstream of the break, the situation is more acute. Alberta Health Services has issued a boil water advisory for portions of Parkdale, Montgomery, and Point McKay. People in these affected neighbourhoods must boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, washing raw foods, preparing infant formula, or making ice. The advisory remains until further notice.
Connection to Previous Infrastructure Failure
City officials stated late Tuesday that the broken pipe is likely related to the beleaguered Bearspaw South feeder main. This critical artery in Calgary's drinking water system was the same pipe that suffered a catastrophic failure in June 2024, leading to extensive repairs and water restrictions. The recurrence of a major break on this key infrastructure has raised immediate concerns about the system's resilience.
The force of the rupture was dramatic, with witnesses describing the pavement "literally exploding" at the site. The resulting flood inundated a large section of 16th Avenue N.W., trapping motorists who required rescue by Calgary Fire Department personnel from the fast-rising waters.
Ongoing Response and Future Updates
The break disrupted water services to hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. City officials are scheduled to provide a detailed media briefing on the situation on the morning of Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This update is expected to provide more information on the cause of the break, the timeline for repairs, and how long the water restrictions and advisories will remain in effect.
For now, the focus remains on public safety and conservation. The city's call for reduced water use is a critical measure to maintain reservoir levels and pressure in the system while crews work to isolate and repair the damaged section of the feeder main. Residents are encouraged to follow official city channels for the latest instructions and updates on this developing situation.
