Water Ban Imposed in Edmonton and Surrounding Areas due to Pump Failure

Epcor, the water utility company in Edmonton, has imposed a mandatory ban on non-essential water use in response to a pump failure at the E.L. Smith water treatment plant. This incident occurred in southwest Edmonton early Monday morning. As a result of the pump failure, residents and businesses in Edmonton and its surrounding communities, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Morinville, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont, and Fort Saskatchewan, are being instructed to eliminate non-essential water use.

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Epcor announced that this pump failure has caused a decrease in water pressure, and until the issue is resolved, customers may experience lower water pressure. However, the utility ensured that there is no impact on the quality of drinking water.

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The Rossdale water treatment plant, which is operational, is unable to supply the entire service area with the normal water consumption, leading to the imposition of the ban. Epcor, in a news release, requested residential users to conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing or shaving, and postponing laundry and dishwashing. Businesses that utilize large volumes of non-essential water, like laundromats and car washes, have been instructed to halt water use.

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However, businesses that use water to provide life-sustaining products or services, as well as those required to meet health-code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants, are exempted from the ban. Epcor assured that the drinking water remains safe to consume.

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Prompt action was taken by Epcor in response to the pump failure, and repair efforts are currently underway. Nevertheless, it is uncertain when water service from the E.L. Smith plant will be fully restored. The utility has stated that water restriction measures will remain in effect until the repair is completed.