REGINA – The water woes in Regina continue and will indefinitely delay the opening of the city’s outdoor pools.
The city announced Wednesday the five outdoor pools in Regina will not be filled until the water use reduction is lifted, and all spray pad locations will remain closed as well.
Water use in the city is still being monitored on a day-to-day basis, and officials warn that this won’t be a quick fix.
READ MORE: Regina water conservation efforts still in full force
Once the restrictions have been lifted and the pools filled it will take about 10 days until they are open. That’s the minimum length of time required to ensure the water is heated, chemically balanced and approved by the Health Inspector.
Get breaking National news
The City of Regina initially asked residents to watch their water use on May 25th. They were hoping for a 25 percent water reduction rate, but we’ve only reached 20 percent.
“We have not got down to the 25 per cent that we need,” said Mayor Michael Fougere. “That would be very helpful if they did that. So, we’re going to continue to ask residents to please be vigilant. Please conserve water.”
Two water plant specialists have been called in to help city staff to address the algae problem. Several years of wet weather and increased runoff has produced high levels of algae in Buffalo Pound lake and impacted the water treatment for the city this summer.
They say they’re making promising but slow progress, and that we shouldn’t expect a quick fix.
Deputy city manager, Brent Sjoberg, says there are no immediate plans for water rationing, but if we don’t hit the 25 per cent reduction rate soon the city may have to implement more drastic rules.
“It’s critical we do everything we can to reduce the need to escalate action that would be more challenging for the public, such as mandatory water rationing,” said Sjoberg. “In these cases residents can only use drinking water for cooking, drinking, teeth brushing and sponge bathing.”
He hopes not to have to implement these measures, and encourages residents to visit the city website for water conservation tips.
“Remember at this time a dirty car is still one that’s no less loved,” he said.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.