For the second time in less than 18 months, a critical water transmission line in Calgary has failed, plunging parts of the city into a water crisis just as the new year begins.
What Happened: A Repeat Failure
The Bearspaw south feeder main ruptured dramatically on Tuesday night, December 31, 2025, beneath the Trans-Canada Highway. This is the same major pipeline that failed previously in the summer of 2024, highlighting ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the site at Highway 1 and 29th Avenue N.W. to begin repair work.
Immediate Impacts and Public Advisories
The break has triggered a cascade of public safety measures. Alberta Health Services has issued a boil water advisory for the northwest communities of Montgomery, Point McKay, and Parkdale. This advisory affects approximately 2,000 homes and 100 businesses located downstream of the rupture.
Residents in these areas must bring all tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming it or using it to wash fruits and vegetables. Water for bathing or laundry does not need to be boiled. The city has stated that water wagons with treated water will be stationed in the impacted neighbourhoods, and bottled water is also a safe alternative for drinking.
Concurrently, the City of Calgary has enacted Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions across the entire municipality. While winter limits outdoor use like flooding rinks, officials are urgently requesting that all residents and businesses drastically reduce indoor water consumption to preserve reservoir levels while repairs are underway.
Broader Consequences and City Response
The rupture has caused significant disruption beyond water quality concerns. Major road closures are in effect along 16th Avenue N.W. and Sarcee Trail, complicating travel. The city has not provided an estimated timeline for how long the boil water advisory or repairs will last, noting only that crews are working around the clock.
To help manage the strained water supply, the city is asking everyone to take immediate action:
- Limit showers to three minutes or less.
- Only flush toilets when necessary.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Indoor facilities like pools and recreation centres are also being asked to implement their own water reduction plans. The city emphasizes that collective effort is crucial during this critical period to maintain water service for essential needs, including firefighting.
Calgarians are promised another update on the situation on New Year's Day as the city grapples with this recurring infrastructure challenge.
