City warns March could be a bad month for water main breaks

Repair crews are preparing for what could be a busy month of March.

The City of Saskatoon said Friday weather patterns are similar to what was seen in 2014, when extended cold stretches pushed frost deep into the ground.

“Extremely cold temperatures, or fluctuations between warm and cold temperatures, can sometimes push frost to a depth that will freeze water and sewer services,” Director of water and waste stream Russ Munro said.

“The conditions we’ve had and continue to have are similar to March 2014, when there was an increase in water main breaks and frozen residential water and sewer pipes.”

However, the city said extra crews will be ready to respond.

Saskatoon homeowners were asked to do their part, too. Residents were asked to make sure outdoor pipes running from the road are well-insulated with snow so they are less vulnerable to frost.

The city also suggested homeowners keep a 72 hour supply of water on hand.

A water main broke Friday near the intersection of McKercher Drive and Boychuk Drive.

Part of the intersection was closed, with repairs expected to take three days.