Weyburn and area residents who use city-treated water need to get used to boiling water and/or buying bottled water, as the city advised it will be a matter of weeks before the precautionary boil-water advisory is lifted.
Weyburn and area residents who use city-treated water need to get used to boiling water and/or buying bottled water, as the city advised it will be a matter of weeks before the precautionary boil-water advisory is lifted.
At the same time, some recent tests of the water system has showed there is progress being made in cleaning up the water supply.
"I don't think it is fair for anyone to be under the illusion that this advisory will be like the previous one that was lifted after a few days. The fact is that we will be dealing with this advisory for weeks. Everyone in the city, including food service businesses, should make appropriate plans," said Weyburn Mayor Debra Button.
She said two recent tests were encouraging, and indicate the city is moving in the right direction.
A test of two random residences on Mar. 2 showed trace amounts of giardia in the water of one of the residences. Then on Mar. 6, a test at the water plant and the main distribution lines showed no levels of either giardia or cryptosporidium.
"Again, the results from one set of tests does not mean the issue is over. In a day or two, we could very well have a new set of tests come back that shows the parasites have returned; we don't know, so we will continue to monitor and test. What this does mean, however, is that our efforts are paying off and the recommendations from our water treatment staff and outside consultants are having an effect," said Mayor Button.
Button reminded residents that the process of implementing the consultants' recommendations will still likely take a few weeks, and reiterated the city's commitment to get to the bottom of the water plant problems.
"I'm just like everyone else in this city. I've got kids, I'm worried about their health and this problem being fixed, for good, is my present priority. Part of the reason why this advisory may last longer than the previous one is that I want to make sure that we are absolutely thorough in getting these problems fixed for the long-term."
The mayor noted that residents in some neighbourhoods may notice temporarily discoloured water as city crews flush out and clean out water pipes throughout the city.
She further advised that residents stay on top of current updates on the water situation by checking the City website at www.weyburn.ca and by regularly checking for ads and updates in local media.
Residents were urged to continue to be patient and to follow the provincial Ministry of Environment's advisory recommendations strictly.
"I share and I feel for what all the families and all the businesses are going through. This has been a tough year for Weyburn but we have proven that we are tough people. I know that as long as we continue to work together as a community we will overcome this hurdle as we have every other that's been put in our way."
The results of the tests on Mar. 2 and 6 have been posted on the city's website at www.weyburn.ca for the public to access.
