Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The City of Calgary issued an update on Jan 4. on their ongoing repairs after a major water main broke on Dec. 30 near the Sarcee Trail/16 N.W. interchange.
The city continues to encourage Calgary residents to conserve water while repairs are underway.
“The first Monday of 2026 is expected to mark a return to work and school for many Calgarians. We’re continuing to remind everyone to adjust their water use habits and help conserve our water system,” Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Susan Henry said.
“The urgent need to reduce our water use still exists today. We are still asking Calgarians to conserve water, whether that means a shorter shower or fewer flushes, there are many ways we can all ensure our water system remains stable while crews work on this critical repair,” Henry added.
Water usage was at 495 ML on Jan 3., a City of Calgary release stated, which “continues to strain our supply and is above the acceptable usage goal of 485 ML. The 485 ML threshold helps us ensure there is water available for consumption and life safety purposes like emergency response and fighting fires.”
Repair progress continues at the break site along 16 Ave N.W., the release added, with water removed from the site and excavation of the damaged section. Crews also started removing pipe on Jan 4.
Eastbound traffic along 16th Ave N.W. has also partially opened after inspection and coordination by City of Calgary crews, and a Boil Water Advisory has now been lifted for the communities of Parkdale, Point McKay and West Hillhurst.
The City of Calgary experienced a water main break of similar scale in June 2024 when the Bearspaw South Feeder Main failed. Rehabilitation work following that incident went from June to Nov 2024.
Ongoing updates on the water main break are available via the City of Calgary’s website.
