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As six Saskatoon neighbourhoods move into the third day of a precautionary drinking water advisory, more information is being revealed about the cause.
The city said earlier the advisory was issued after a private contractor damaged a primary water main on McOrmond Drive near Fedoruk Road.
In turn, the water system was depressurized, prompting the city to action.
Zach Jefferies is the city councillor for ward 10, which includes five of the six affected neighbourhoods: Arbor Creek, Erindale, Evergreen, University Heights Suburban Center, Willowgrove – and Forest Grove.
The councillor said he’s been in touch with senior city administration to find out more about the situation.
“My understanding is that yes, there was a private contractor working for SaskPower in the area near Fedoruk Drive,” Jefferies told News Talk 650 CKOM.
The city confirmed this is the area damaged by the water main break that caused the current drinking advisory #yxe pic.twitter.com/9WRHCrfmhD
— Daniella Ponticelli (@Ms_dponticelli) June 28, 2016
He said all the information he’s received shows the city did not have a role in the incident, and “it would appear the responsibility is all on the side of SaskPower and their contractor.”
In an email statement to News Talk 650 CKOM, SaskPower confirmed “the contractor in question was working on a power project in the area.”
“That portion of the project is on hold until circumstances are reviewed and mitigation plans are in place. We are working with the city as they review the matter. We will be able to answer specific questions when the review is complete,” the statement read.
The aftermath of the water main break was visible Tuesday: turned-up pavement, large cracks and slumping rippled the road at the scene on McOrmand Drive.
“There was a puncture of a 42-inch concrete water main,” Jefferies said.
“As you can imagine, when you’ve got a nearly four-foot in diametre pipe, with 90 or 100 PSI water under pressure – that creates a pretty serious situation.”
The councillor said the city is reviewing how effective communication with residents was during this time.
