Water pressure has been restored and there’s no evidence of contamination so far, but a precautionary drinking water advisory will be in place for six northeast neighbourhoods until at least Thursday while the water is being tested.
“I stress the point that everything we are doing is precautionary but is also as per provincial regulation,” assistant fire chief Anthony Tataryn told reporters Tuesday.
City manager Murray Totland said there will be a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the water main break which caused the Water Security Agency to issue the advisory.
While the city has set up water filling stations for the affected neighbourhoods (Arbor Creek, Erindale, Evergreen, Forest Grove, University Heights and Willowgrove) it’s encouraging residents to get water from friends and family first, to avoid a shortage.
“That should help alleviate some of the congestion we may see,” Tataryn said.
The fill station at Fire Hall 9 on Attridge Drive was moved late Tuesday afternoon to a parking lot on Ludlow Street, between the SaskTel Soccer Centre and Centennial Collegiate. The second location is at Fire Hall 5 on Central Avenue.
The city is advising residents to boil all water used for consumption, which includes drinking, brushing teeth, washing food and making ice cubes, or to use an alternative water source known to be safe.
Bottled water will be ordered and available for those who require extra support in accessing drinking water.
A drinking water advisory was issued Monday afternoon after a private contractor punctured a 42 inch primary water main at McOrmand Drive and Fedoruk Road. The damage depressurized the water distribution system.
It also affected close to 400 rural customers northeast of Saskatoon, but water in that area is flowing normally and safe to consume.
The advisory is expected to be in place until at least Thursday once tests confirm the water is safe to drink.
-Based on a report by CTV Saskatoon's Matt Young
