EPCOR has issued a mandatory ban on non-essential water use for residents and businesses in the Edmonton region, including St. Albert, as the company is experiencing an equipment failure at the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant.
“On January 29, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., there was a failure in the distribution pumping equipment systems that move water from E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant into the water distribution system,” reads a release from EPCOR. “The Rossdale Water Treatment Plant remains operational; however, it cannot adequately supply the entire service area with normal water consumption.”
“EPCOR is informing residents and business in Edmonton and surrounding communities supplied with EPCOR water, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan, to eliminate non-essential water use. Until the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant returns to normal operations, customers may also experience low water pressure.”
EPCOR's release also says that businesses which use large amounts of water, such as car washes, need to “halt water use,” although businesses that use water to provide life sustaining services to people, plants, and animals are exempt from the ban.
“Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants,” the notice reads. “All residents are asked to conserve water by taking short showers instead of baths and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. Please delay laundry and hand-wash small amounts of dinner dishes.”
“Every drop helps.”
The release says the ban and restricted use will be in place until repairs are completed, and an update will be provided when progress is made.
