No contamination is apparent in North Battleford's water but the precautionary drinking water advisory will continue, probably until sometime after Sunday.
A release issued by the City of North Battleford Friday morning states, "All samples of the water in the distribution system have shown chlorine present in the water to be at normal levels, with no contamination present. Samples are being submitted to the lab in Saskatoon on a daily basis and initial results are very encouraging. However, the valve on the water tower cannot be repaired or replaced until the crew is done the scheduled maintenance, which is expected to end Sunday, July 10."
The release goes on to say, "Once maintenance is completed water samples will be taken to the lab in Saskatoon for testing. The results are shared with the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, and they will advise the City of what further action, if any, is required and review the status of the precautionary drinking water advisory. As soon as we receive an update from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency we will notify the public."
Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency placed a PDWA on the City of North Battleford July 6. The PDWA was issued due to water tower cleaning operations and valve failure.
According to the WSA, the advisory can be rescinded once the water treatment plant is operating normally, cleaning operations at the water tower are complete and continual bacteriological and water quality sampling returns with satisfactory results.
The advisory asks the public to:
(a) boil all water used for drinking purposes, for at least one minute at a rolling boil, prior to use;
(b) boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including: (i) brushing teeth or soaking false teeth; (ii) dishwashing, unless sanitized in another fashion (iii) washing fruits and vegetables; (iv) food or drink that will not be subsequently heated; and (v) ice cubes;
(c) not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
(d) under most circumstances, there is need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents and older children may shower, bathe or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine;
(e) ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed;
(f) use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water; and
(g) consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water.
