Alberta government to review Calgary water main breaks, demands documents

By Canadian Press on January 14, 2026.

CALGARY — The Alberta government has launched a review of Calgary’s water main ruptures, demanding reams of documents from the city dating back two decades.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams, in a letter to the city posted on social media, says it’s about making sure Calgary’s 1.6 million residents have a safe and reliable water system.

He says the city has been working diligently to fix the latest break but the province needs to act, because Calgarians have valid concerns that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main could rupture again.

The pipe transmits 60 per cent of the treated water used by those in the city and in surrounding municipalities.

It has ruptured twice in less than two years, forcing water restrictions on residents.

The most recent break happened late last month, and residents are still being asked to take shorter showers and reduce their toilet flushes until water is fully restored.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 14, 2026.

Dayne Patterson, The Canadian Press

11
-10