SASKATOON – The City of Saskatoon is continuing to deal with unprecedented water main breakages.
Eleven locations in the city are without water service on Friday. Precautionary drinking water advisories will be in effect once repairs are made.
So far this year, 117 breakages have occurred compared to 74 this same time in 2013.
The difference this year is that the ground frost level has reached the same depth as underground pipes. Each time the temperature changes drastically, it puts pressure on the pipes causing them burst at weak points.
Temperatures are expected to rise this weekend, which could mean breaks will get worse.
READ MORE: The worst of winter weather may be over for Saskatoon
City officials say they anticipate the number breakages to remain high for the next several weeks.
Bottled water was delivered to homes and businesses on Wednesday that do not have access to a water trailer and free admission continues to be offered at leisure centres for those affected, where they can shower.
The target for having repairs completed is 48 hours after turning the water off. Contractors have been hired to help civic crews out.
“We’re just trying to take a very proactive approach that guys don’t burnout so we can contain this sustained pushed and if guys need to we’ll condense crews in the evening if need be,” said Trent Schmidt, the city’s acting director of public works.
There are currently four emergency water trailers in affected areas so residents can access drinking water.
A fifth has arrived but city officials say it won’t be ready until next week.
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