Regina, Moose Jaw asking residents to conserve water due to issue at treatment plant

Regina and Moose Jaw are asking all residents to voluntarily restrict their water usage, as a disruption at the facility feeding both cities has reduced water supplies.

The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation says it has, "identified an issue with the plant that is currently addressing."

The unspecified issue is the result of upgrades being carried out at the facility.

"This is an unexpected situation," said Kurtis Doney, the City of Regina's deputy city manager of city operations.

Doney stressed the conservation request is necessary and must be followed as quickly as possible.

"It's really important that we conserve water voluntarily because if we don't, we will need to move to mandatory water restrictions," Doney said.

Emergency wells now active

Doney said the Regina's emergency water wells are now active, but they can only provide the city with 25 to 30 per cent of the water it requires.

The reliance on well water means some residents may notice water discoloration, Doney said.

Regina and Moose Jaw have issued a list of recommendations to help conserve water. They include:

• Not watering lawns.
• Delay filling hot tubs, pools and ponds.
• Avoid washing vehicles except when required for health and safety.
• Turns off taps as much as possible during showering.
• Showering instead of bathing.
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

Regina said it will be doing its part by not continuing to fill outdoor pools, turning off spray pads, discontinuing street sweeping and not watering parks with city water.