The North Saskatchewan River crested early Thursday morning and the water level has started to recede. But city officials are still urging people to stay away from the river and river banks.
The water on the North Saskatchewan River peaked at about 6.7 metres around midnight. The City of Edmonton said it will take some time for the water level to return to normal.
“It has gone down approximately 0.23 metres or nine inches in the last 12 hours,” Chris Ward with the city’s utility services said Thursday afternoon.
“Until it drops significantly to more normal levels we are still advising everyone to be very, very cautious around the river banks around the river, stay off the river.”
IN PHOTOS: North Saskatchewan River rises 3 metres in 24 hours in Edmonton
Heavy rainfall west of Edmonton over the past few days has caused about four times the normal volume of water to rush through the city. The water is flowing rapidly, about six times faster than its normal pace.
“The North Saskatchewan River is a powerful, deceptive and fast-moving river and with increase in water levels the river is considerably more powerful and quick-moving at this time,” Bill Brown, acting deputy chief of operations with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, said.
The heavy rainfall and high amount of debris in the river has substantially increased turbidity levels in the water, EPCOR said Thursday. As a result, people in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan are being asked to limit non-essential water use. People are being asked to refrain from:
- Watering lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs
- Washing cars or driveways
- Filling Jacuzzis, hot tubs or swimming pools
“The rate of potable water production has slowed, and demand is in excess of current production,” EPCOR said in a media release. “EPCOR holds potable water in 12 reservoirs around the city, which is normally enough to supply a two- or three-day cushion, but that can be extended if residents would voluntary curb non-essential water use.”
EPCOR is asking people to limit their water use through the weekend and maintains the water is safe to drink.
READ MORE: Edmonton closes spray parks after EPCOR asks residents to use less water
Watch below: The North Saskatchewan River crested early Thursday morning in Edmonton, but is still very dangerous. As Erin Chalmers reports, people are still urged to stay away from the river and the river banks.
The city warned that any further rainfall west of the city would cause the river to rise once again. The City of Edmonton has taken several precautions to avoid flooding, closing a few low-lying trails and a couple of flood gates in the Rossdale area.
People are still urged to stay away from the river and respect the trail closures. The following trails were closed Wednesday morning and remained closed Thursday:
- Lower Highlands granular trail
- Capilano to Goldbar lower granular trail
- Emily Murphy to Kinsmen granular trail
- Fort Edmonton granular trail
Another concern is the amount of debris coming down the river. At times, large logs and tree branches formed mini islands in the water. Ward said once the water comes down to a safe level, city crews will move in to clear debris and inspect the banks of the river to monitor for erosion.
So far, Edmontonians have respected the warning. As of Thursday afternoon, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said the only call it received was regarding an overturned boat floating down the river. No people were involved.
Watch below: City of Edmonton officials update the situation on the North Saskatchewan River Wednesday
Residents who see drainage issues on their property or street are asked to call 311.
For more information on what to do when the river water rises, visit the City of Edmonton’s website.
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