EPCOR issues Water Use Restriction Level C
The County of St. Paul is notifying residents that, due to an update from EPCOR, the previously planned water restriction on January 29, 2024, has been upgraded to a water ban on January 30, 2024.
While issues at the E.L. Smith water plant are the key factor, additional considerations at the Rossdale plant have led to the decision to upgrade to a full water ban. CBC has shared more details.
How does this affect County residents?
Treated water to the hamlets of Ashmont, Lottie Lake, and Mallaig is sourced through the Highway 28/63 commission. This treated water comes from EPCOR facilities in Edmonton. Because of this, the County has been asked to conserve water during the pump repair upstream. This restriction will assist in replenishing all water reservoirs within the whole system.
Update, January 30 at 2:45 p.m.: EPCOR is forecasting that the repairs and water network stabilization will be complete by Sunday, February 4. The current restriction is expected to be in place until mid-day on the same day.
How can I help?
Effective immediately, and for the duration of the ban, residents are required to discontinue all non-essential water and limit essential water use by:
- taking short five-minute showers
- not washing vehicles
- postponing laundry and dishwashing
- not flooding outdoor skating rinks
- waiting to fill hot tubs, pools or large aquariums
- turning off taps while shaving and brushing your teeth
- flushing toilets only when necessary
Businesses whose business itself is related to water use, such as car washes, are asked to do what they reasonably can to reduce demand on the water system.
How is the situation for the County?
Currently, all reservoirs within the County of St. Paul are full. However, we ask our residents to come together and do our part to help out when it’s time for the system to top off all the other reservoirs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Water Utilities Manager through the Public Works Office at 780-645-3006.
