Around 80 homes in Saskatoon are without running water after the coldest February in 80 years froze pipes deep underground.
The city said in a release Friday afternoon that the cold weather this winter has sent ground frost deeper than usual, and has frozen pipes that have less insulation than those closer to the surface.
The release said city staff have been working overtime with contractors to help homeowners thaw their water supplies over the past month.
For homes still without running water, temporary connections are being provided or bottled water is being brought in.
The city is asking homeowners to take preventative action to keep water running. They’re advised to keep both indoor and outdoor pipes insulated and out of the elements by wrapping them or sealing them at entry points to keep cold air out.
If someone discovers a frozen pipe in their home, the city recommends using space heaters or blow dryers to apply warm air directly on the frozen pipe to get the water moving again.