Emergency Boil Water Order Lifted
Effective Friday, March 16, 2012, the Boil Water Order that has been in effect for City users of the Prince Albert Water supply hand distribution system has been lifted.
The Boil Water Order HAS NOT been lifted for rural users. The flushing of the lines for rural users is now underway. The Prince Albert Rural Water Utility will be delivering further information and instructions to these homes.
Home Flushing
Before water can be consumed, actions need to be taken to flush water systems in the properties in Prince Albert. Instructions have been sent to each property in the city. Most homes and businesses will need to complete five steps:
- Flush cold water plumbing, by turning on each cold tap separately and let it run for five minutes)
- Flush hot water plumbing (water heater, if temperature is insufficient or unknown,and running hot water taps)
- Ensure other water treatment devices like water softeners are cleaned
- Clean other water using appliances like fridge filters
- Throw out any food that is potenially contaminated.
The material also includes special instructions for less common items, such as reverse osmosis water treatment systems and home swimming pools.
For those that live in apartments, the process is the same, except for hot water system flushing. Before individual residents can flush their hot water taps, the owner or operator of the building will need to flush the communal hot water tank and other treatment systems like water softeners, then notify residents after this is done.
Residents (or business owners) with questions about the flushing document should contact the Public Health Inspection Unit with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region at 765-6600.
FLUSHING INSTRUCTIONS:
Health Report
Friday March 16, 2012 - 9:00am
As of March 16, 2012, there has been one positive test result for giardia out of more than 200 individuals that have sought medical care because of gastrointestinal illness as reported by Prince Albert medical clinics and the Victoria Hospital Emergency Department.
According to Public Health, it is not unexpected that with this number of tests done, that there would be some positive test results. It is uncertain whether the source is the Prince Albert water supply. Public Health has begun the process to follow up with the individual involved to determine potential sources.
In Saskatchewan last year, there were 120 positive test results for giardia.
Please see the related
media release from the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region and the
video from the press conference.
Latest Releases
- March 16, 2012 - Water Crane Now Open
- March 16, 2012 - Boil Water Order Lifted for City users of Prince Albert Water Supply
- March 14, 2012 - Home Flushing Information to be Distributed to City Properties
- March 12, 2012 - Distribution System Flushing Complete
- March 7, 2012 - Distribution System Flushing Starts in Zone 2
- March 5, 2012 - Distribution System Flushing Underway
- February 28, 2012 - City Sets Timeline for Boil Water Order
- February 27, 2012 - City Continues with Work Identified in System Cleaning Plan
- February 24, 2012 - Public health unit is following up on positive giardia result
- February 24, 2012 - Work Continues to Return Water to Normal
- February 22, 2012 - Boil Water Order Progress Update
- February 21, 2012 - Boil Water Order Progress Update
- February 17, 2012 - Boil Water Order Progress Update
- February 15, 2012 - Steady Progress as City Moves Forward with Plan to Restore Water to Normal
- February 14, 2012 - Boil Water Order Remains in Place - Tets Confirm Effectiveness of Initial Treatments, Giardia still in distribution system
- February 13, 2012 - Boil Water Order Remains in Place - Filters, ultraviolet, chlorine working, but giardia present in reservoirs
- February 10, 2012 - Boil Water Order Remains in Place
- February 9, 2012 - Boil Water Order - Update
- February 8, 2012 - Frank J. Dunn Pool Closed
- February 7, 2012 - Emergency Boil Water Order Expected
- February 3, 2012 - Water Crane Closed
Updated Forcast
- The The boil water order has been lifted for City users of the Prince Albert Distribution system.
- Further flushing will need to occur in peoples homes before residents can stop boiling their water. Information has been distributed to each property in the City. A copy can also be found below under Fact Sheets.
- Rural users are still under wa boil water order until further notice.
Boil Water Notices
Fact Sheets:
Water Test Results:
News Conferences:
March 16, 2012
March 5, 2012
February 28, 2012
February 24, 2012
February 21, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 10, 2012
February 7, 2012
Rural Customers:
Contacts:
The Emergency Boil Water Order remains in effect until improvements are made to the water system which will ensure a safe supply at all times and pending results of further water tests. If you require any additional information, please contact:
- City of Prince Albert, Public Works Department - 953-4900
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment - 953-3369
- Public Health Inspection, Prince Albert Health Region - 765-6600
Related Links: