Water supply in Swan River, Man. dwindling as town looks for solutions

Crates of bottled water have arrived in Swan River as the town grapples with an imminent loss of water due to a break in its system.

A state of emergency was declared in the town Sunday following a “major break in its water pumping and distribution system.”

Deputy Mayor Lance Jacobsen said crews were able to narrow down the problem to a mechanical issue with the pumps and multiple issues with the wells.

He said no one has run out of water thanks to the town’s conservation efforts.

Some water is flowing from the well to the treatment facility and then into the reservoir connecting homes and businesses of Swan River.

Jacobsen said it isn’t enough to fix the problem. He is continuing to remind people to use water cautiously and conserve while they try to fill up the reservoir, then shut down the flow of the water supply from the treatment facility so work can be done to fix the problem.

He expects the state of emergency to last until Thursday. The schools are closed Monday but expected to reopen as soon as Tuesday because water is being shipped in.

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Alana Braun lives in Swan River, about 450 km northwest of Winnipeg, and said she’s already noticed water pressure reduced in her home.

She works at a dental office in the town and said it’s closed today along with many other businesses

The hospital is still open but dialysis patients are being transported to Russell.