A high voltage underground power line shorted out and failed at the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant. The parts required to get the plant up and running are en route but until then, we’re all being asked to cut back.
Taps in Regina and Moose Jaw, along with the smaller communities of Pense, Grand Coulee and Belle Plain are now running solely on reservoirs, and will be for the next several hours.
Mayor Pat Fiacco says its important that residents are aware of what’s happening.
“First of all, the water is safe,” Fiacco told reporters today. “That’s important, so the water is indeed safe. Number two, that the problem has been identified, number three; it is being fixed as we speak.”
Regina has activated several back up wells, but their production is significantly lower. Contingency plans kick in to ensure the safety of the community isn’t impacted. If, for example, there’s a fire, the service will be there.
“We have mutual aid agreements with our neighbouring municipalities,” Bonny Bryant, Community and Protective Services GM says. “So white city has been put on alert, as well as Pilot Butte, who will bring their tankers and supply water to us should the water supply become depleted here.”
To prevent the supply from being depleted, everyone is being asked to conserve. There are several simple steps that we can all take to significantly cut the amount of water we use. The city is recommending not running your dishwasher or washing machines tonight.
But it’s not just residents being asked to cut back. Businesses are also being contacted. While water use is vital for many of them to remain productive, it’s hoped they can reduce consumption where possible as well.
“W really hopeful the businesses will recognize that they’re part of the community as well, and it’s in everybody’s best interest to reduce our water consumption by half” explained GM of Public Works Dorian Wandzura.
“Our intent is not to have an effect on anyone’s business, but I also think that we have a community that cares, and that understands that this isn’t an everyday occurrence, it’s unusual” added the Mayor.
The plant is expected to be back to working capacity by noon Friday.
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