A wastewater pipe leak in southeast Calgary resulted in sewage spilling into the Bow River, prompting concerns over water contamination. The city announced Saturday that the spill was contained within three hours.
City officials confirmed the leak on Friday morning—more than a week after initial concerns were raised—when river water tests detected high levels of E. coli. Investigators later traced the contamination to one of three pipes transporting untreated sewage to the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant was shut down by 2:30 p.m. that day, while the remaining two pipes managed the additional wastewater flow.
Alberta Health Services was immediately notified, assuring the public that drinking water remains safe. However, officials have not determined when the leak started or how much sewage entered the river.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed frustration over the delay in communication, stating she was only informed of the incident Friday evening, hours after the leak was discovered. “The flow of information was disappointing,” Gondek said. “But I called for a briefing at 8 p.m. after I was able to leave an important community event.”
Water testing has since confirmed that E. coli levels have returned to normal. Officials continue to investigate the cause of the leak and have not provided a timeline for when the river near the site will be safe for use again.
