Same pipe that failed in 2024 ruptures on Trans-Canada Highway, trapping motorists and leaving thousands under boil water advisory
It happened again.
Less than two years after a catastrophic water main break threw Calgary into a summer-long crisis, the same pipe has burst this time flooding the Trans-Canada Highway and trapping drivers in rising water on New Year's Eve.
Firefighters rescued 13 people from their vehicles last night after the Bearspaw South Feeder Main ruptured near Sarcee Trail and 16th Avenue Northwest. Seven vehicles were caught in the flood. Nobody was injured, but the city is now scrambling to contain the fallout.
"It is extremely frustrating to see this happen to our city again," said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
He didn't mince words about the aging infrastructure: "Until we completely replace the pipe, this is a ticking time bomb."
What Happened
The break occurred around 8 p.m. last night in the Bowness area. Water surged across the highway, cracking pavement and sweeping vehicles into chaos. Some drivers climbed onto their roofs to escape the rising water.
City officials say a rapid pressure drop caused the pipe to fail and despite continuous monitoring installed after last year's disaster, there was no warning.
"There was no wire snaps or any evidence before the failure," said Chris Graham, the city's infrastructure official. "The system was being fully monitored."
The pipe, installed in 1975, is nearly two metres wide and runs 11 kilometres. It's one of two mains that supply most of Calgary's drinking water.
Who's Affected
Around 3,100 homes and 100 businesses are impacted. Neighbourhoods currently under a boil water advisory include Montgomery, Parkdale, Point McKay, and West Hillhurst.
If you're in those areas, tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food, or making baby formula needs to be boiled for at least one minute.
The city has also activated Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and is asking residents across Calgary plus those in Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Tsuu T'ina Nation to cut back on usage.
That means three-minute showers, flushing only when necessary, and running dishwashers and laundry machines only when full.
YMCA Calgary is offering free showers to anyone whose water has been fully shut off.
How Long Will This Last?
City officials say repairs could take seven to 10 days, depending on what crews find when they fully inspect the pipe. The water flow has been stopped and the break has been located. A technical briefing is scheduled for 2 p.m. today.
But Farkas made clear that patching this line won't solve the bigger problem.
"We have to fix the pipe," he said. "And until we completely replace the pipe, this is a ticking time bomb that Calgarians will continue to live with."
