By Joel van der Veen
August 23, 2010

CRAIK - The Town of Craik has issued a notice to residents and users of its water distribution system, advising them to boil all drinking water until further notice, following problems with the town's water treatment plant.

The advisory, issued during the afternoon of Aug. 17, informed residents that because of a "system upset and failing to meet minimum treatment standards," the town could no longer ensure the safety of its drinking water supply.

Town administrator Jeff Murray said the advisory was issued after the water treatment plant stopped producing water. A forceful backwash was applied to the water filters, but this resulted in an elevated turpidity, or a higher level of suspended particles, in the water.

After it was determined that the water now exceeded the required limit of 1 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), a boil water advisory was issued by Roger Miller, an environmental project officer for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.

"We will be on boiled water until we get this resolved," said Murray.

Murray said the town is discussing the situation with Mainstream Water Solutions, Inc., the Regina-based manufacturer of its water treatment system. The company has suggested that additional ozone generators may be the solution to the problem.

"Hopefully that is the answer," said Murray. "They are two to three weeks away from getting those to us."

Under the advisory, all water to be ingested - including drinking water and water to be used for brushing teeth, soaking false teeth, dishwashing, washing fruits and vegetables, and making ice cubes - must be boiled for at least one minute prior to use.

Residents are also advised not to drink from public water fountains. Adults, adolescents and older children can shower, bathe or wash with tap water, but younger children and infants should be given a sponge bath. The water is safe for use in laundry.

Another option is to use an alternative water source known to be safe. The advisory also suggests that consumers with severe cuts or rashes check with their physicians before using the water.

The leaderonline is a division of The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada.