The water is back on in southeast Estevan, but the boil water order for those south of the tracks remains in effect.
Water was gradually restored in the southeast starting in the middle afternoon Thursday, and Shane Bucsis, the manager of the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants, told the Mercury just after 4:30 p.m. that it should be back on in all homes and businesses.
The water issues in the southeast forced Hillcrest School to cancel classes on Thursday.
If people who lost water service in Estevan's southeast corner notice a discolouration in the water once they turn it on, then Bucsis asked people to run the water until the water is a normal colour. Then it will be all right to use, although Bucsis reminds people that the southeast area is among those affected by the boil water order.
A boil water order was issued Wednesday by the city, the Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, after a major water main leak. The city is in the process of collecting samples on Thursday and Friday, and those will be sent to a provincial lab. If everything comes back clear, then the city can proceed with starting to lift the advisory for south Estevan, but that can’t happen until all samples are tested.
If a sample comes back positive for contaminants, then the process will have to be restarted.
“Because the line depressurized – and the reason for the boil water is because the line depressurized – we have to make sure no contaminants got inside the water mains,” said Bucsis.
When the tests come back clear, the city can guarantee the water is safe to drink.
City crews worked throughout the night trying to find the leak, which they did at 6 a.m. Thursday.
This was a large break on one of their main lines, which caused a lot of water to spill. Estimates indicate it was leaking 150-200 litres per second.
"We have major branches throughout the city for transporting large water quantities and maintaining pressures, and this was just one of those lines."
He understands people's frustration when something like this happens.
All residents and users affected from the boiled water advisory are ordered to:
•Boil water used for drinking purposes for at least one minute at a rolling boil prior to use;
•Not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
•Use an alternative water source known to be safe if they do not wish to boil the water;
•Boil water for at least one minute at a rolling boil when it is to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including:
-Brushing teeth or soaking false teeth;
-Using water in food or drink which will not be subsequently heated;
-Dishwashing unless sanitized in another fashion; (Dishes can be dipped in a bleach solution);
-Making ice cubes; and
-Washing fruit and vegetables.
Under most circumstances, residents do not 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. Younger children and infants should be sponge-bathed. Residents should also consult with a physician before using the water if they have severe cuts or rashes. Laundry may be washed in tap water.
Those who live north of the CP Rail tracks are unaffected by the boil water order, because they are on a different pressure zone.
Perkins Street between Fourth Avenue and First Street A remains closed while crews work on the water break repair. It's expected the closure will continue into tomorrow.
