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

Boil water advisories for several Northwest communities have been lifted as city crews continue to work to repair a major break in the Bearpaw South Feeder.

Residents in Parkdale, Montgomery, Point Mackay and West Hillhurst have been advised to boil water since last Tuesday. after a pipe burst caused significant flooding and required firefighters to rescue 13 people from vehicles stuck in the fast-moving water.

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

Despite the lifting of the advisory, the city is still urging Calgarians to continue to limit their water use. As of Saturday, the city's water consumption stood at 495 million liters, above the city's target of 485 million liters.

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

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

“We continue to ask Calgarians to conserve water, whether that means shorter showers or fewer flushes, there are many ways we can all ensure the stability of our water system while crews work on these critical repairs.”

The single lane reopens on 16th Avenue.

Ahead of a busier morning commute, the city has reopened one eastbound lane on 16th Avenue NW for the first time since the main thoroughfare was breached.

Drivers can access the eastbound lane from Sarcy Trail. Westbound lanes between 49th Street NW and Sarcee Trail NW remain closed.

City officials are asking drivers to take alternate routes when traveling in the area as construction continues.

City crews continued to work Sunday removing water from the site and excavating the damaged area. The pipe removal phase began on Sunday afternoon.

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