(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Sewage leak

SaskWater assures Humboldt and Wakaw residents of no impacts after sewage leak in Saskatoon

Jan 21, 2025 | 4:27 PM

SaskWater has issued an update about the Saskatoon sewage spill into the South Saskatchewan River, and how it relates to drinking water downstream.

The City of Saskatoon advised SaskWater Monday about the spill after a fire at the University Bridge caused the sewer main to melt and rupture. An estimated 415,000 – 515,000 US gallons of sewage spilled into the South Saskatchewan as a result.

There were some concerns about whether the spill could affect the Wakaw-Humboldt potable water supply, but a letter from SaskWater to users of the system sought to quell any fears.

“We want to advise you that there are no significant impacts anticipated to the water supply for your system,” SaskWater wrote in a statement.

The statement added the flow in the river is about 220 cubic metres per second, and that means the average amount of sewage spilled into the river is about 0.02 per cent of the total flow. They said the flow is expected to arrive at the Wakaw water treatment plant intake on Wednesday and will be further diluted at that time.

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SaskWater said they are taking added precautions in addition to regular protocols for potable water compliance.

• SaskWater will monitor chlorine demand and turbidity and will optimize the water treatment process, as required.
• If necessary, the intake will be shut off until the water in question passes the intake.
• SaskWater does weekly bacteriological testing to monitor and ensure the water is safe to drink.

SaskWater will not be issuing a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory (PDWA).

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com