Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. It was updated on Monday when the conserve-water alert was dropped.
A conserve-water alert issued for the town of Edson on Sunday has been dropped.
A water main break and structural issues at the town’s reservoir late last week led to the loss of a large amount of water. As such, residents were asked to conserve water while crews worked to fix the problem and replenish water levels.
On Monday morning, the town said reservoir levels were back up to 90 per cent. Water levels will continue to be monitored while the second reservoir remains out of service, according to an updated statement on the town’s website.
Alberta Emergency Alert issued the conserve-water alert Sunday afternoon.
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The ordeal started with a water main break in the area of 2 Avenue and 51 Street, according to the town. The break led to low water pressure for some Edson residents.
Crews quickly learned the issue was “much larger” than a water main break, adding there was a partial structural problem at the reservoir.
Underground power slowed the repair process, the town said on its website over the weekend, as did the extremely cold temperatures in the area.
“Engineers have been on the scene of the structural problem at one of the reservoir buildings to ensure safety and proper precautions are taken,” read an update on the town’s website. “There may continue to be lower than normal water pressure during these repairs.”
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It’s not known what caused the structural issue at the reservoir.
Updates on the situation are being provided on the Town of Edson’s website and Facebook page.
Edson is located about 200 kilometres west of Edmonton.