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  2. WATER MAIN BREAKS INCREASE AS TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO DROP

WATER MAIN BREAKS INCREASE AS TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO DROP

For immediate release: February 28, 2014 - 6:00 pm
TU14-169


Similar to what was experienced last weekend in Saskatoon when the temperature dropped significantly, eight water main breaks occurred beginning at 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 28 and the release of this announcement.  This is well above the average of one-two per day for this time of year.  In January and February Saskatoon experienced 85 water main breaks, compared to 69 during the same period in 2013.

All available staff and contractors are focussed on isolating the location of the breaks, preparing the sites for excavation (identifying any underground utilities or hazards), and repairing the pipes.  Different expertise is required at each stage of repairing a water main break, so even if no workers are present, each location is scheduled and will be repaired as quickly as possible.  In this extreme cold, workers must take frequent breaks to warm up and prevent injuries caused from exposure to the elements. 

Water service is currently off at the following locations:

  • 623 Main Street (water trailer on-site)
  • 74 Phillips Crescent (water trailer on-site)
  • 2421 Ewart Avenue (water trailer on-site)
  • 628 10th Street East (water trailer on-site)
  • 3366 Fairlight Drive on Diefenbaker Drive
  • 2903 Ferguson Avenue
  • 500 block of 6th Street East

Residents and businesses in affected areas can access drinking water from emergency water supply trailers located nearby until the service is restored.  Instructions for use are located near the spout.  Once the water is restored to a location, the water trailer is relocated as required. We make every effort to make a water trailer available within eight hours of the water being shut off.  However, with the number of water main breaks we are currently experiencing, affected areas may anticipate this time to be extended.

We want to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.  We will do our best to restore water service within 48 hours of turning it off, but the extreme cold can affect equipment and the amount of time that workers can be outside.  If you are affected by a water outage and have any questions or to report a water main break, please call the Public Works customer service call centre 24/7 at 306-975-2476.

Emergency preparedness information is available on the Canadian Red Cross website, including recommendations for an emergency water supply.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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