The Saskatchewan government is advising people to limit recreational activities on the North Saskatchewan River following the Husky pipeline oil spill near Maidstone, Sask., last week.
People are being asked not to consume any fish caught in the river.
READ MORE: Efforts made to save oil-soaked wildlife after spill by Maidstone, Sask.
They are also being advised to avoid any water activities that could result in water being ingested.
“Our first priority is the health and safety of our residents,” said Tim Macaulay, the director of environmental health with the Ministry of Health.
“We believe it’s wise to take these precautionary steps until authorities have determined that the river water quality does not pose a risk to public safety.”
READ MORE: PDWA issued for Melfort, Sask. region due to Husky Energy oil spill
Activities not recommended include swimming, tubing, wakeboarding, and skiing, along with any other activities where people can come into direct contact with the water.
Officials say pets and livestock should also not be allowed in the river at this time.
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Boating and catch-and-release fishing should not pose a risk, according to health officials.
About 200,000 to 250,000 litres are estimated to have spilled from the breach upstream of Maidstone on July 21 — the equivalent of two rail tank cars.
North Battleford and Prince Albert have stopped drawing water from the river.
READ MORE: Prince Albert declares local state of emergency after oil spill halts water intake
Prince Albert has also declared a state of emergency and imposed water conservation measures such as banning lawn watering and closing water-guzzling business like car washes and laundromats.
A precautionary drinking water advisory was issued for Melfort and the surrounding area on Tuesday morning as official prepare to close the water intake on Codette Lake, which is fed by the Saskatchewan River.
The plan is to switch to an alternate water source but until the new source is confirmed safe, people are being asked to boil water for at least one minute before it is used for consumption.
With files from The Canadian Press
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