September could see more water main breaks in Regina

The ongoing issue of water main breaks in Regina will likely get worse.

In August, the city dealt with a record-breaking 112 breaks. The average for the month is 20, with the previous record set at 72.

Repairs being done of a water main break on 2800 block Assiniboine Avenue in Regina on Sept, 1. 2017. (Alex Docking/980 CJME)

The city said the breaks are caused by ground shifting and the dry conditions this summer.

“We have been having in the range of 60 to 65 leaks that are running on any given day and we are repairing in the vicinity of seven to ten most days,” said Pat Wilson, the director of waterworks.

To ensure people have access to water for as long as possible, the city usually runs the water off before crews arrive to repair it. That’s why running water can often be seen near the side walk when breaks happen.

Depending on the fixes needed, the city can spend around $14,000 to repair each water main break.

Wilson said he’s hopeful the city won’t go over budget as the first half of the year saw just 28 water main breaks, and a further 28 in July.

“Certainly we are going to be spending the main break budget faster, but there was an under-spend in the first half of the year,” Wilson said.

At last count, $1.8 million had been spent fixing leaks that are not concentrated to one particular neighbourhood, but are happening right across the city.