Saskatchewan town remains without drinking water with restoration date unknown

Residents of Outlook, Sask. could remain without safe drinking water for several days, with an official saying it's "difficult to say" when access will return.

One of Outlook, Sask.’s top officials says it’s “very difficult to say” when residents will have access to drinking water following the tampering of one of its reservoirs on Monday, but it won’t be before the end of the week.

Kevin Trew, chief administrative officer for the town, told Global News that there are still several steps to complete before drinking water will be available again.

“Things have been going a lot smoother there with the distribution (system) than they actually have for a couple days,” Trew said.

“We’re meeting targets and trying to get to the levels we need to get to.”

A local state of emergency that was issued this week also remains in effect until Friday. The “do not use” order that was issued Monday morning will remain in effect until Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency (WSA) deems the supply completely safe.

The shutdown leaves roughly 2,300 people in the town without water, along with others in some nearby communities that draw from Outlook’s supply.

On Wednesday, the town advised that crews have been flushing hydrants since 3 a.m., noting the distribution system is fully pressurized. With hydrants open, though, water pressure could be affected.

Trew said with the water distribution system turned back on, residents should be able to now flush their toilets again but are advised to continue to not use water for showers, washing dishes or drinking.