Saskatoon

Battleford to the rescue with clean water for North Battleford

For now, most water restrictions remain for people living in North Battleford, but a new deal to share water with its sister community could ease the shortage soon.

Deal between sister communities will see town share water supply

The North Saskatchewan River flows between North Battleford and its sister community, Battleford. The town of Battleford reached a deal with the city to pipe much-needed clean water to North Battleford in the wake of the Husky Energy oil spill.

For now, most water restrictions remain for people living in North Battleford, but a new deal to share water with its sister community could ease the shortage soon.

We are grateful- North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton

The recent Husky Energy oil spill into the North Saskatchewan River forced the city to shut off one of its water treatment plant intakes.

But now the city and the town of Battleford have come up with a plan. A water line will be run from the town's water supply — fed by wells — over to the city's distribution system.

"The town is proud to partner with the city during this crisis," said Battleford Mayor Derek Mahon.

"We are grateful to the Town of Battleford to work with us and help us out in this difficult situation," said North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton.

Meanwhile, North Battleford will keep searching for other sources of safe water because the temporary pipe from the town will not work in the winter months.

Today, laundromats in the city will re-open to meet the needs of residents.

But again, until the new water supply from the town is up and running, the water restrictions for residents in North Battleford will continue. 

North Battleford ran a temporary pipeline to its sister community, the town of Battleford, this summer. Crews are now preparing a filtration system to draw water from the North Saskatchewan River through the winter. (CBC)