UPDATE (Nov. 29, 2021) —Wetaskiwin’s Stage 4 water restriction has been lifted as of 8:00 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2021.
The City of Wetaskiwin’s water treatment plant is fully operational again and both of the city’s treated water reservoirs have been replenished.
The city once again has full fire suppression capabilities which had been temporarily compromised over the weekend while the water levels in the city’s reservoirs were critically low.
The city says that there were plans in place to use alternative water sources during the shortage in event of a fire call.
The bulk water station at 5710 51 Street and the aquatic facilities at the Manluk Centre: Wetaskiwin Regional Aquatics and Fitness also re-opened at 8 a.m. Monday Nov. 29, 2021. The fitness centre at the Manluk Centre was open to users as of 6 a.m. Monday morning.
UPDATE (Nov. 27, 2021) — Repairs to the malfunctioning equipment at the Wetaskiwin water treatment plant have been completed and the City of Wetaskiwin says that treated water levels are slowly rising again. The city tap water remains safe for human consumption.
The city says that the Stage 4 water restriction will remain in place until the city’s treated water resevoirs are fully replenished. This is anticipated to occur by Sunday night, Nov. 28, 2021.
“An investigation will be conducted to determine what went wrong at the plant, and any recommended process improvements will be implemented to help safeguard against this happening again,” stated City Manager Sue Howard.
“I recognize and thank the community for their efforts to conserve water over the past few days. This collective action allowed us to maintain pressure within our water treatment system — directly contributing to us avoiding a boil water advisory.”
The city will continue to truck in treated water as a failsafe in case of additional equipment complications while water production is incrementally increased over the next 24 hours.
Original Story — The City of Wetaskiwin declared a Stage 4 water restriction on Friday, Nov. 26, due to critically low treated water reserves. The restriction will be in place until further notice.
The shortage is being caused by repairs currently underway at the water treatment plant.
Effective immediately, only essential water use is permitted, which is water used strictly for health (drinking and food preparation), and medical purposes. Currently, the city’s water supply remains safe for human consumption.
The water restrictions are mandatory for every residence and business within the City of Wetaskiwin.
The city advised in a press release that it will investigate any allegations of non-compliance with these mandatory restrictions and will issue fines to anyone found to be in violation of them.
Any businesses or industries with high-water use are expected to immediately comply with the Stage 4 water restriction.
The City has restricted public access to the aquatic facilities at the Manluk Centre: Wetaskiwin Regional Aquatics and Fitness, however, the fitness centre will remain open to the public at this time.
The city’s bulk water station has also been closed, though anyone with emergent bulk-water needs can contact the city manager’s office at 780.361.4409 to receive an exemption.
The city’s Waterworks Bylaw 1982-20 gives city administration and/or city council the authority to declare water restrictions due to emergencies — including a critically low potable water supply.
Updates will be provided through the city’s website and official social media channels as they become available.
Questions can be directed to Wetaskiwin City Hall at 780-361-4400 during regular business hours.
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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