Power outage temporarily shuts down Buffalo Pound water treatment plant

Water remains safe to drink after a downed power pole caused a temporary shutdown of the Buffalo Pound water treatment plant.

The shutdown took place on Tuesday and, on Wednesday afternoon, the city said the power line was repaired and that the plant was back to normal operations.

During the shutdown, the city relied on its reservoirs and wells to provide water to residents. 

The water treatment plant provides potable water for Regina, Moose Jaw and the surrounding area.

"The city has more than enough clean and safe water to supply our customers during this shutdown," a media release read in part. 

Regina city officials warned that people may notice a difference in water clarity over the next few days because of the well water being used, however it will remain safe to use. 

"People may notice a little cloudiness in the water," Pat Wilson, an official with the city, said Wednesday. "The water is absolutely safe. We do do additional testing when we run the wells just for some extra security."

There are plans to improve the power system at the plant, including back-up power supplies.

The city said there was no need to boil water in Regina because it has a pressurized water supply system, but some neighbouring communities without the pressurized system have been asked to boil water before use. 

According to SaskWater, the only community under a precautionary drinking water advisory is Disley. However five rural water pipelines that service farms and acreages also fall under the advisory:

• SaskWater Buffalo Pound North
• SaskWater Buffalo Pound West
• Marquis Rural Water Users
• Parview Rural Water Users
• Dufferin Water Association