Non-essential use of water in P.A. to stop immediately says city

Following an emergency meeting, the City of Prince Albert is urging residents to use water sparingly.

The city held an Emergency Operations Centre meeting on Saturday to make a contingency plan in response to the incoming oil in the North Saskatchewan River, according to a release. 

Residents are asked not to use water for non-essential activities including watering their lawns, or washing their cars. Tap water is still safe to drink, and will be provided in limited but safe quantities, the city said. 

As well, businesses have been told to minimize water use unless necessary for operations. 

The North Saskatchewan River is not to be used for swimming, or recreational use. The city is suggesting residents not drink water from the river.

The city has 48-hour storage capacity of potable water. If required, P.A has a retention pond, which could provide the city with water until the end of the coming week. The city is still exploring potential long-term options, if required past a week.

All city irrigation services, municipal water crane, paddling pools and Kinsmen Water Park have been closed until further notice.

The Prince Albert Rural Water Utility is asking rural residents to limit their water usage from the city as much as possible on Sunday and Monday when tending to their land. 

The City of Prince Albert first advised residents to stock up on water on Friday, as oil from the Husky Energy spill near Maidstone, Sask. crept closer to Prince Albert. Over 250,000 litres are estimated to have spilled.

Previously, city staff said the city’s Water Treatment Plant intake from the North Sask. River will shut down on Sunday as a precautionary measure.