Boil water advisory lifted for northwest Calgary communities, water use still high

The boil water advisory for several northwest communities has been lifted, as city crews continue to work on repairing the Bearspaw south feeder main break.

Residents of Parkdale, Montgomery, Point McKay and West Hillhurst have been under a boil water advisory since last Tuesday, after a burst pipe led to significant flooding and required firefighters to rescue 13 people from vehicles stuck in the rushing water.

The city lifted the advisory late Sunday after testing confirmed the water met all health and quality standards.

Despite the advisory being lifted, the city is still urging Calgarians to continue to limit their water use. As of Saturday, the city's water use sat at 495 million litres used — higher than the city's target of 485 million litres.

The city is also bracing for higher demand as students return to school and others to work on Monday.

“The urgent need to reduce our water use still exists today,” Sue Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency chief, said in a city statement.

“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.”

Single lane re-opens on 16th Ave.

Ahead of the busier morning commute, the city has re-opened one eastbound lane on 16th Avenue N.W. for the first time since the feeder main break.

Drivers can access the lane going east from Sarcee Trail. The westbound lanes between 49th Street N.W. and Sarcee Trail N.W. remain closed.

The city is asking drivers to consider alternate routes when travelling through the area, as construction work is ongoing.

City crews continued their work Sunday, removing water from the site and excavating the damaged section. The pipe removal phase of the repair got underway Sunday afternoon.

Officials still do not know what is behind the city's second catastrophic water main break in less than two years.