Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
SaskWater has completed the upgrades at the Meadow Lake water treatment plant and commissioning has begun.
The work involved adding a second clarifier unit to the water treatment plant which means SaskWater can continue to meet water supply demands and provide reliable service for years to come. The new clarifier will be fully operational by the middle of February.
View this FAQ to find out what you need to know about SaskWater commissioning the new clarifier.
Information on Frozen Water Lines
Discolored Water
Temporary discolored water may be caused by a number of factors. The most frequent causes are water main breaks, seasonal water main flushing, and seasonal fire hydrant maintenance all of which stir up sediment in the lines.
What to do if your water is discolored:
Discolored water should not be used for drinking, food preparation, or other activities that require clean water. While the City's water is strictly tested against bacteria and harmful agents, using discolored water is not pleasant and may cause laundry staining.
If discolored water is being caused by flushing or maintenance in your area, we recommend waiting until the work has been completed. Then run a cold water tap for one to two minutes until the water runs clear again. (Running a hot water tap may pull sediment into your hot water tank). If the water still doesn't clear, wait and try again later. If your water still isn't clear after a couple of hours, please report it to the City by submitting a Service Request on our website, by phone or by email so that we may investigate and try to determine the root cause of the discoloration.
What to do if you have stained laundry:
Don't use bleach, hot water, or the dryer, as these will all set rust stains. Instead, rewash your laundry as soon as possible (once your water line is running clean again) using a strong detergent. Rust specific products are also available commercially.
Why doesn't the City reimburse for running cold water taps to clear them?
Running a tap for a minute or two only uses a few gallons of water, and the City's water rate is roughly one cent per gallon. Typically clearing sediment from a tap after flushing or a water main break will cost less than $0.25.
Sewer Blockages and Backups
Generally, the City is responsible for water and sewer service lines from the main to the property line, and the homeowner is responsible for anything that happens to the service line from the property line to the house. However, homeowners are also responsible for any blockages or repair costs caused by prohibited items being placed in the sewer line, no matter where in the service line the blockage is found. For more information on maintaining your sewer service line, and what to do if you experience a sewer blockage or back up, please view the following information sheets:
More Information
For more information on how water and sewer services are provided, you can review the Water and Sewer Bylaw, City policies related to the Public Works Department, or contact City Hall.
