Saskatchewan Cities Urged to Conserve Water as Critical Maintenance and Drought Conditions Coincide

Residents of Regina and Moose Jaw are being called upon to voluntarily reduce their water consumption as a precautionary measure, prompted by a critical confluence of factors: essential SaskWater infrastructure maintenance and persistent drought conditions across the region. The plea aims to safeguard the stability of the water supply for both communities, which draw their water from Buffalo Pound Lake.

SaskWater, the provincial utility responsible for managing water resources, has announced that the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant, a vital facility serving hundreds of thousands, will undergo planned maintenance from May 13 to May 17.

While this work is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of the water system, it necessitates a temporary reduction in the plant’s operational capacity.

Adding to the urgency is the ongoing challenge of drought. Much of southern Saskatchewan has been experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions, leading to concerns about water levels in sources like Buffalo Pound Lake.

Although the current water supply is stable, the combination of reduced treatment capacity and dry conditions makes responsible water use more critical than ever.

To help manage demand during this sensitive period, residents are encouraged to adopt a range of conservation practices. These include limiting non-essential water use, such as refraining from washing vehicles or power washing homes.

For outdoor watering, a voluntary odd/even system is recommended: properties with odd-numbered addresses should water on odd-numbered calendar days, and even-numbered addresses on even days. This simple measure can significantly reduce peak demand.

The call for conservation extends beyond the immediate maintenance window.

Experts emphasize that mindful water use is a year-round responsibility, particularly in a province prone to drought. By making small changes to daily habits, residents can contribute to the long-term sustainability of Saskatchewan’s precious water resources.

SaskWater and local municipalities are closely monitoring the situation and appreciate the cooperation of all residents in Regina and Moose Jaw.

These voluntary measures are designed to ensure that even during periods of operational adjustments and environmental stress, a reliable and safe water supply remains available for everyone.