Residents living on three roads in North Battleford should start boiling their water starting early Wednesday morning as crews work to repair two leaky water main valves.
Tuesday, the City of North Battleford issued notices of a precautionary drinking water advisory to residents along 101st Crescent, Borden Crescent, and Laurier Crescent. That precautionary drinking water advisory will take effect starting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
"We will of course try to limit the amount of time in which the water is shut off. However, with the water shut off, we have to issue a precautionary drinking water advisory pending water test results," said Joe Gagne, the City of North Battleford's water and sewer operations foreman. "When a precautionary drinking water advisory is necessary, you will find a yellow letter placed in your mailbox informing you one has been issued. You will then be notified by a letter in your mailbox when the testing is complete and the precautionary drinking water advisory is lifted."
While the precautionary drinking water advisory is in effect, residents on 101st Crescent, Borden Crescent and Laurier Crescent are asked to bring their water to a boil for at least one minute and then let it cool before using for any activity where water may be ingested. This includes: drinking; brushing teeth; washing fruits and vegetables; preparing food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; making ice; and soaking false teeth.
Even when the precautionary drinking water advisory has been lifted, residents are advised to let their water flow for about an hour and then let the water in their homes run for 15 minutes, until the it becomes clear, to completely flush out their systems. They are also advised to remove and clear any dirt from the aerators.
Water should be collected in containers ahead of the water disturbance and, until the water service is shut off, that water from the tap can be used normally.
Along with the interruption in water services to the affected residents, the repair work will also result in the closure of 101st Crescent to through traffic in that area and very limited access to both Laurier and Borden Crescents.
"You should be able to access Borden Crescent through the alley behind the A&W," said Mr. Gagne. "Laurier and the remaining crescent will have to be accessed from Douglas Avenue."
The City of North Battleford is asking for motorists' cooperation and patience during this repair work.
"If you have problems with access, please ask the workers from a safe distance when it is safe to do so and we will try to accommodate and help as much as we can given the circumstances," said Mr. Gagne. "Please do not attempt to go through the signs or work zones at any time unless escorted by a city employee or instructed to do so as these areas are very dangerous."
