Weyburn Mayor Debra Button expressed cautious optimism about the City's water issues following the release of two sets of recent drinking water tests.
"First and foremost, I want to remind everyone that the Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory is still on and will remain on until the provincial Ministry of Environment decide it is safe to lift it. I cannot emphasize that too strongly. For the safety of the users we ask that you please continue to boil your drinking water," Button said.
Button is nonetheless encouraged that the drinking water problem is moving in the right direction.
A test of two random residences on March 2 showed trace amounts of Giardia in the water of one of the residences. A test on March 6 at the water plants and the main distribution lines showed no levels of either Giardia or Cryptosporidium.
"Again, the results from one set of tests does not mean that 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 Plant Staff and outside consultants are having an effect," said Button.
Even though progress is being made, Button reminded residents that the process of implementing the consultants' recommendations is still likely to take several weeks. Furthermore, Button emphasized that the City's investigation into the water issues would continue after the Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory is lifted.
"I'm not going to be satisfied with a band-aid solution to the frustrations we are experiencing with our water. I'm like everyone else in this City - I've got children and other family members who use the water system and I want to make sure they're safe. Even after we've resolved the short-term problems, I'm going to ensure that the City stays focused on investigating the problems and coming up with a long-term solution."
For further information, call Jon Michaud at 306 848-CITY(2489) or 306 861-7991.
The results of the March 2 and March 6 water tests have been posted on the City's website at weyburn.ca for public review.
