EPCOR lifts non-essential water ban in Edmonton

EPCOR has lifted the non-essential water ban for Edmonton and area Friday morning.

In a statement, EPCOR said the critical repairs at the E.L Smith Water Treatment Plant have been completed on the water distribution network.

EPCOR first issued the ban Monday, after there was a failure in the pump equipment systems that moves water from the treatment plant to the distribution system.

On Tuesday, they announced that work was being done to the electrical feed system to the 4,000 horsepower distribution pumps, which includes replacing electric cables within the treatment plant, noting that the ban was expected to be in place until Sunday.

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• EPCOR issues mandatory ban on non-essential water use for Edmonton and area
• Edmonton’s ban on non-essential water use to last until Feb. 4

EPCOR says while the ban was in place, there was a reduction of around 109 million litres being used. This along with partial pumping at the water plant allowed for Edmonton’s essential water supply to not be affected.

Over 300 businesses with high water usage were contacted by EPCOR over the week and were asked to adapt their operations.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of customers in Edmonton and across the region this week. Together, your efforts saved more than 100 million litres of water, which helped us keep the water system running while we made critical repairs at one of Edmonton’s two water treatment plants. Every drop helped,” said Frank Mannarino, Senior Vice President of EPCOR Water Services, in a statement.

“We know that for many residents and businesses there was a significant impact, particularly for those who had to reduce or halt operations,” he added. “I would like to express our deep appreciation to the owners and workers at affected businesses, including car washes, laundromats, and many of our largest water customers, and hope that all residents will support these businesses going forward.”

EPCOR notes that over the week, drinking water services and fire protection were not affected.