Bearspaw Water Main Break Updates (Repaired as of Jan 16)
- Jan 16
- 9 min read
UPDATE: January 16, 2026 | 1 PM
Thank you Calgary! Effective immediately, all water restrictions have been lifted.
Your efforts over these past two weeks have allowed crews to complete the necessary repair on the Bearspaw feeder main.
While this repair has been finished, there is additional pipe reinforcement work planned for the Spring and Fall 2026. Stay informed by following the City of Calgary social media channels or visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
The Ward 3 office will continue to share information and updates as they become available to us.
UPDATE: January 14, 2026 | 3 PM
The City has reached a significant milestone in fixing the Bearspaw Feeder Main as we edge closer to lifting water restrictions.
With results showing the water is safe to drink, The City began returning the pipe to service last night. Earlier this morning we started the process of repressurizing, which means turning on our pumps to push water through the pipes. We are taking a cautious approach to bring the pipe back to service in a controlled manner.
This morning, the first pumps were activated, beginning the gradual return of flow to the pipe. The system will stabilize over the next 24 hours before additional pumps are brought online to increase flow. After a further stabilization period, the final pump is expected to be activated Friday to restore full service. If conditions remain stable, water restrictions could be lifted by the weekend.
Crews are proceeding cautiously and water conservation is still essential for a little longer. Every action counts as we cross the finish line together.
Learn more: calgary.ca/watermainbreak
Read answer to FAQs here.
UPDATE: January 13, 2026 | 11 AM
Crews are currently working to collect water samples to confirm the system meets or exceeds drinking water standards set by Alberta Health Services. Once testing confirms the water is safe, crews will begin the next phase over the following days by slowly opening the valve to reconnect the feeder main and gradually push water through the pipe. Because increasing flow can create pressure changes and a risk of re-rupture, the system will be closely monitored throughout this.
We continue to use water at unsustainable levels and ask residents to continue water conservation efforts. Our system remains fragile and sustained reductions are essential to ensure water is available for everyone, particularly hospitals, care homes, and fire protection. If each household can conserve just 30 litres per day, it will be enough to keep us in the safe zone.
More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Learn more: calgary.ca/watermainbreak Read answer to FAQs here.
UPDATE: January 9, 2026 | 11 AM
Calgary remains in a vulnerable water position. Despite some reductions in use, the system is still under significant strain and has very limited capacity to handle any new emergency. On January 7, water use reached 507 million litres, well above the 485 ML safe target.
Even small actions matter. If each person saves 30 litres per day, Calgary can stay within the safe zone. Simple steps like flushing less, shortening showers, and only running full loads of laundry or dishes can make an immediate difference. City facilities and regional partners are also reducing non-essential use, including closures and reduced hours at recreation facilities.
Today marks a significant step in the repair process. Crews are beginning the careful refilling of the 7-kilometre feeder main from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, a process that is expected to continue through Sunday. Restoring service is a multi-day, higher-risk operation that requires close pressure management and thorough water quality testing. Water restrictions will ease gradually, but only after the system is fully stabilized and confirmed safe.
Mitigation measures are in place to protect communities if another break occurs. This remains a real risk, as pressure changes during the pipe refill process can stress the system and cause additional failures. Measures include temporary adjustments to flood barriers, improved drainage to the Bow River, and plans to rapidly deploy pumps in low-lying areas if needed.
The bottom line: our system is fragile and continued water conservation is essential to protect Calgary until full stability is restored. Every drop we save makes a difference.
Learn more: calgary.ca/watermainbreak
2025 Water Main Break FAQs
Why are City crews flushing fire hydrants while water restrictions are in place?
Over the past few months, we have been upgrading a different feeder main at Memorial Drive & 52 Street N.E. This week we are getting ready to bring that feeder main back into service, which will help improve our efforts to deliver water across Calgary.
You may see crews releasing water from hydrants. This is essential maintenance required to ensure our water quality remains safe for public health.
To do this, crews will need to flush water through this pipe to make sure the water inside is safe to drink. Flushing removes sediment and mineral deposits from the pipes. It also removes any contaminants which may be present following a water main or service line repair.
Flushing starts January 6th and will continue for a few days. This means, even though we are still asking everyone to save water as repairs are made to the Bearspaw South Feeder main, you may see crews releasing water from fire hydrants in this area.
This is a necessary step for health and safety, and is unrelated to the Bearspaw break. For safety reasons, residents should keep a respectful distance from crews and allow them to focus on their work.
How does a water main break like this impact the entire city?
The break occurred in a critical water supply pipe that carries water across the city. This incident impacts water availability across the city because water is unable to move into our feeder system and then into other areas of Calgary.
The Bearspaw South Feeder main has had a wide impact because:
It services an estimated 1.5 million Calgarians, as well as our regional customers living in Airdrie, Chestermere, and Strathmore.
It is 11 kilometres long.
It has the capacity to transfer more than 400 million litres of water.
Why have pipes from 1975 not already been replaced?
These pipes are intended to last a long time, as much as 100 years in ideal conditions, 98% of Calgary feeder mains, which are critical in our distribution system, are in good or very good condition. This is aligned with the target we have set for our system.
Can I fill my personal hot tub or flood my outdoor skating rink?
No. While repairs are underway on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, Calgary is relying solely on the smaller Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to supply water to the city and surrounding communities. As a result, significantly less water is available.
In response, The City has enacted its Municipal Emergency Plan and Stage 4 Water Restrictions, which prohibit outdoor water use including hot tubs, skating rinks, snow-making, and other large-volume uses.
To maintain the health of our entire distribution system, we need everyone to cut back. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to conserve water and help protect Calgary’s water supply during this time.
What this means for community Adopt-a-Rinks:
Flooding rinks with potable water is prohibited.
Fire Hydrants may not be used, as they are connected to the feeder main.
Water truck services will not be provided during this time.
Can indoor pools, ice rinks, and recreation centres still operate?
Yes. Indoor non-residential pools (such as those in recreation centres) may operate and refill with City water. The bylaw also does not prohibit flooding indoor rinks. However, facilities have been asked to implement specific water conservation plans, including reducing flooding and timing during off-peak hours.
Can car washes stay open?
Yes. Commercial car washes are allowed to operate. Most indoor car washes recycle around 85 per cent of their water. We encourage drivers to wash their vehicles only when necessary for safety (to keep windows, mirrors and license plates clean).
Can City water be used for construction?
No. Using potable (drinking) water for construction activities (such as mixing concrete, stucco, dust suppression or washing surfaces for painting) is not allowed under Stage 4 restrictions.
Note: You may use non-potable water for these activities.
Read more answers to frequently asked questions HERE.
UPDATE: January 7, 2026 | 11AM
The full Independent Review of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main incident is now available.
The review looks at what happened during the June 2024 incident, why it occurred, and the changes needed to prevent a similar failure in the future.
It examines all aspects of the City’s utility infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, with a particular focus on water utility operations and maintenance, assurance and risk management, planning, design and engineering, budget and financing, and governance and organizational accountability.
You can read the full report HERE.
A Special Meeting of Council has been scheduled for today, January 7, at 1:30PM to formally receive a public presentation on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Review Panel Final Report.
Residents are invited to join the meeting in person or tune in online HERE.
UPDATE: January 4, 2026 | 6PM
Effective immediately, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has lifted the boil water advisory. It is now safe for residents and businesses in Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst to use tap water for all purposes.
Water may now be used and safely consumed as boiling is no longer required. Anyone who has not used their household water system in the past 24 hours is advised to flush their systems prior to initial use. We thank everyone in the affected areas for their patience.
Additionally, prior to the morning commute on Monday, Jan 5, a single eastbound lane on 16 Ave NW will be reopened to traffic east of Sarcee Trail NW. Access to eastbound 16 Ave NW from Sarcee will also be reopened during this time. Westbound traffic along 16 Avenue NW between 49 Street and Sarcee Trail NW remains closed.
There will be reduced speed through the construction area. With the opening of eastbound 16 Avenue NW, 49 Street NW is returning to normal operations, meaning there will no longer be a left-hand turn from southbound 49 Street NW onto eastbound 16 Avenue NW.
Motorists wanting to travel eastbound on 16 Ave NW should use Home Road NW.
Please observe all construction signage in the area and expect delays. Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes, when possible, and expect delays while traveling through the area.
Thank you for your patience and continued support. Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect, and every effort to conserve water truly makes a difference.
Stay informed at calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
UPDATE: January 1, 2026 | 6PM
Thank you Calgary for your patience and cooperation. Here is the latest update on the water main break along 16 Ave NW:
Crews have pumped out water around the break and exposed the damaged section of pipe.
Excavation continues today to reach the bottom of the pipe for full access.
An inspection is underway to assess the damage.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place. Treated water storage is still well below what’s needed to safely serve the city. Every litre saved helps stabilize the system.
Please continue to conserve water where you can. Shorter showers, only running full loads of laundry and dishes, and flushing only when necessary all make a difference.
A Boil Water Advisory remains in effect for parts of Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst. Tap water must be brought to a rolling boil for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
16 Ave NW at Sarcee Trail remains closed. Please avoid the area and follow posted detours.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PIPE:
The break is along the Bearspaw South Feeder Main supplies much of Calgary's drinking water.
After the major break in 2024, the City inspected the entire feeder main using a device called a pipe diver. That inspection found additional deteriorated pipe segments and resulted in repairs to 23 high-risk sections needed to stabilize the system.
Even with those repairs, some segments remain in a weakened but stable condition while we work on long-term solutions.
A real-time monitoring system was installed which reduces overall risk but unfortunately is unable to predict every failure.
We will continue to update the Ward 3 website and social media accounts as information becomes available to us. You can also visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
Thank you for continuing to look out for one another, and helping to reduce our collective water footprint as crews work to safely move toward repairs.
December 31, 2025
Last night, Calgary experienced a major water main break near Sarcee Trail & 16 Ave NW.
The City has enacted the Municipal Emergency Plan including Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions. All Calgarians are being asked to help conserve water while crews work quickly to address the break. Please:
• Keep showers under 3 minutes
• Flush only when necessary
• Run dishwashers and laundry only when full
Alberta Health Services and the City of Calgary have also issued a Boil Water Advisory, effective immediately for portions of Parkdale, Montgomery, and Point McKay.
Residents will need to bring tap water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute before using it for:
• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing food or infant formula
• Making ice
Bathing and laundry do not require boiled water. Bottled water is also an option.
16 Ave NW at Sarcee Trail remains closed. Please avoid the area. Crews are working 24/7 to repair the main - we will provide further updates as new information becomes available. You can also visit calgary.ca.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, If you have immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to 311.
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