A boil water advisory for thousands of people in six Saskatoon neighbourhoods has been lifted, except for one area that tested positive for bacterial growth.
The Pohorecky area in the Evergreen neighbourhood will remain under advisory until further flushing of the system produces water samples that meet the high quality standards of the provincial regulatory agency.
READ MORE: City of Saskatoon prepares for possible Canada Post service disruption
This zone includes Pohorecky Bay, Cove, Close, Crescent, Court, Lane, Place, Rise, Street, Terrace and Way.
“After repeated flushing of the distribution system, water samples taken on Pohorecky Drive in Evergreen tested positive for a bacterial growth that we don’t like to see in drinking water,” said Acting Director of Public Works Trent Schmidt.
Get daily National news
“While it is not a serious threat to public health, we maintain high quality standards for public consumption and any level is unacceptable.”
Yellow drinking advisory door hangers will be delivered to these affected addresses followed by a green lifted notice when the water is confirmed safe to drink.
READ MORE: What Saskatoon civic services are open and closed for Canada Day
City of Saskatoon officials say tests have confirmed that the water is safe for consumption in Arbor Creek, Erindale, Evergreen (except for Pohorecky), Forest Grove, University Heights Suburban Centre and Willowgrove.
Two sets of tests were required to confirm the water was free of any potential contamination before the precautionary drinking water advisory (PDWA) could be lifted.
With the lifting of the PDWA, there are steps that need to be taken before tap water can be used normally:
- Run cold water faucets and drinking fountains for at least 1 minute before using the water;
- Drain and flush the ice-making system in your refrigerator;
- Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle; and
- Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45°C (normal setting is 60°C).
The PDWA was issued Monday afternoon after a SaskPower contractor damaged a 42 inch primary water main.
The damage depressurized the water distribution system to the affected neighbourhoods.
City officials say an investigation into the break will take place.
Comments