Shaunavon residents on 9th St W should boil their water this week — here's why
A gate valve replacement on 9th St W will trigger a week-long boil water advisory for parts of Shaunavon starting July 26 — here's what residents need to know.
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A gate valve on 9th St W is being replaced on Sunday, July 26, and water service to nearby properties — including the 500 and 600 blocks of 9th St W and Frosty Treat — will be disrupted for part of that day while crews complete the work, according to the Town of Shaunavon.
More significant for residents than the outage itself: the Water Security Agency will issue a precautionary drinking water advisory for the affected area starting at the time of the valve replacement, and it will stay in effect until follow-up water tests confirm the supply is safe — a process expected to take about a week.
During the advisory, the town says affected residents should boil all water for at least one minute at a rolling boil before drinking it, brushing their teeth with it, washing produce, making ice, or using it in food and drinks that won't otherwise be boiled. Dishes should be washed only with boiled water or water sanitized with bleach (2 tablespoons per gallon, left for two minutes, and never mixed with soap or detergent). Public water fountains should be avoided, and parents are advised to sponge-bathe infants and young children rather than bathing them directly in tap water. Residents uneasy about boiling can use bottled water instead.
It's the kind of notice that reads like overkill until it isn't — gate valve replacements are routine, but the precautionary advisory that follows is the town's way of making sure a short-term repair doesn't turn into a longer-term problem.
The town says it will notify affected residents through Voyent Alert, social media, its website, and paper notices once the advisory is lifted. Residents with questions can contact the Water Security Agency at 306-741-9850, the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Swift Current at 306-778-5280, or the Shaunavon Town Office at 306-297-2605.
Residents can also register for real-time notifications through Voyent Alert or follow the Town of Shaunavon on Facebook for updates.
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