The water situation in the Town of Wainwright is back to normal and the state of local emergency has been lifted after a water valve on 1st Avenue had to be repaired.
Carley Herbert, information officer says on Wednesday, June 12, the town was alerted to the situation. On the afternoon of Thursday, June 13, residents were alerted to conserve water.
“It was initially believed that the issue was a pump mechanical issue associated with the 1st Avenue Improvement Project. However, further investigation by the town’s Public Works Department, engineers, and a construction company identified the issue as a damaged valve associated with the same project.”
On Friday, June 14, residents were asked to reduce water consumption, and a state of local emergency was declared.
Wainwright is in the process of replacing underground infrastructure and pipes along 1st Avenue.
“At 5:10 p.m. on June 14, crews were able to repair the valve and re-establish the water supply. However, by that time, the town’s water reservoirs had been depleted. So, to ensure adequate supply for fire suppression and residents, we needed to get those levels back up,” says Herbert.
The town which receives its potable water supply from the Garrison Wainwright Water Treatment Plant had seen the water level in the reserve drop to 19.11 per cent last Friday.
Herbert says the town was able to reach a safe level of water supply in the reservoirs on Monday, June 17 at 8:17 a.m. and the water restrictions and the state of local emergency were ended. During the restriction period, the town brought in water from CFB Wainwright and the Town of Vermilion.
The Communiplex, Splash Park, and car and truck washes were all closed as the community rallied to conserve water. All services have been restored with the lifting of the restrictions.
