(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Melfort water advisories

Two water advisories issued for parts of Melfort

May 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM

A pair of precautionary drinking water advisories (PDWAs) have been issued for Melfort’s south side.

The first PDWA was issued due to the construction work taking place on Kingston St. Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipwynyk said the water main has been isolated and shut off because of the construction, and a temporary water line was installed to deliver water to each impacted home in the area.

The advisory is expected to be in effect until the entire project is complete.

Another advisory was issued for residents on Millburn St., Regent St. and Elizabeth St., along with the 600 to 900 block of Broadway Ave. S. inclusive.

“This specific advisory was issued in response to water quality concerns due to low water pressure and reports of discoloured water in the area,” Cipywnyk explained. “These concerns prompted the City to investigate further, and the decision was made to run a temporary water line above ground on Quebec Avenue from the hydrant at the corner of Osborne Street to the hydrant at the corner of Millburn Street.”

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Cipywnyk said the temporary water line provides additional water flow into the system, which brought up the water pressure to acceptable levels. However, because the water is run in an above-ground line and with the potential of contaminants from the new line or the hydrants, the advisory was issued. Cipywnyk said the City, “could not guarantee the chlorine levels in the water met the regulatory criteria to be safely consumed.”

The PDWA does not affect Osborne St. residents due to their water coming directly from existing water mains, thus not being impacted by the temporary connection.

“Our crews have continued to investigate what may have caused the water distribution system to have low pressure, and have identified a couple of water valves in the area that are in need of repair,” explained Cipywnyk. “We plan to repair these valves in the near future, but careful planning is required to limit the length of any water shut off.”

When the valves are repaired and back in service, crews will remove the temporary water line on Quebec Ave. Water samples will then be taken from impacted homes, and when all samples meet regulations, the advisory will be lifted. There is no set date for that advisory to be lifted, and Cipwynyk said they’ll have a better idea on a timeline once the valves are repaired.

“I want to assure you that it is a top priority for our crews to ensure the safety of our water supply, and we are working diligently to find a solution that will minimize future impacts to residents.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com