Water stations organized for residents under drinking water advisory

Saskatoon residents affected by the drinking water advisory are getting some much-needed help.

Starting Tuesday morning, those impacted by the water outage can fill large water jugs at Fire Hall # 9 located on Attridge Drive with City of Saskatoon water trailers. Additional locations will be finalized later in the day.

The city said water filling stations will be organized for residents in six neighbourhoods: Arbor Creek, Erindale, Evergreen, Forest Grove, University Heights Suburban Center and Willowgrove.

The drinking water advisory was issued Monday afternoon, after a private contractor damaged a primary water main near McOrmond Drive; it’s expected to be in place until at least Thursday, once lab tests confirm the water is safe to drink.

Family, friends and employers are also encouraged to help these residents where they can by filling jugs of potable water.

Additionally, the city said bottled water will be ordered and available for people who require extra support in meeting their drinking water needs.

Questioned during the Monday meeting of Saskatoon City Council, Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland promised there would be a full investigation into the incident.

What to do:

The drinking water advisory asks residents in affected neighbourhoods to do the following:

1. Boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one (1) minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use.
    
2. Boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including: (i) brushing teeth or soaking false teeth; (ii) washing fruits and vegetables; (iii) food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; and (iv) ice cubes.
    
3. Not use the water for washing dishes, unless the water has been boiled or the dishes are sanitized in another fashion. Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (approximately 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon or 10 ml of bleach per liter of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria which may be present. Note: Do not mix bleach with soaps or detergents.
    
4. Not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply.
    
5. Ensure that younger children and infants are sponge-bathed.
    
6. Use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water.
    
7. Consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water. Under most circumstances, there is no 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. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.