Weyburn’s water comes from Nickle Lake to the Water Treatment Plant where it goes through a series of treatments and is run through the filtration system before ultimately being sent to the distribution system.
The City has 3 cast in place concrete below ground potable water storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 20 million litres. In 2019, the City added a 13 million reservoir adjacent to the existing 5 million liter storage reservoir distribution system west of the water plant. The First Avenue reservoir has a capacity of 2.2 million liters and is located in the City’s northwest.
To ensure the standard of our water, tests are performed four times a week. Samples are also sent to a third part lab for their verification. There are quarterly and annual reports required by the government; and Weyburn water exceeds the required standards.
The Water Treatment Plant is located at 60 – 16th St. NE.
During 2018 and 2019, the City of Weyburn completed a $15 million project to add a 13 million litre reservoir to its main plant. Upgrades to equipment at the 1st Ave. reservoir were also completed.
This project allowed the city to increase the reliability of its water supply and reduce the risk of any disruptions to its water service. This will ensure adequate water storage and supply for current residents and any future developments.
2019 Water Treatment System Annual Report
Weyburn Quality Assurance/Quality Control Report
Water Analysis Definitions and Maximum
Why does my drinking water have a grassy, earthy or fishy smell? Is it safe to drink?
The City of Weyburn draws raw untreated water from Nickle Lake. The quality and quantity of this water is affected by many factors including runoff, precipitation, temperature and wind.
The primary sources of taste and odor problems in drinking water are from algae and bacteria. Despite taste and odor concerns, the water is still completely safe for consumption. This is proven through continually testing.
Historical data of the last four years shows a reduced water volume in Nickle Lake due to below average runoff (rain) and precipitation (snowfall).
A low water level at Nickle Lake creates an environment for naturally occurring organic material (Algae) blooms to grow. Light, temperature and nutrient conditions also add to this environment.
The ecological imbalance of high and low temperatures during the late summer and early fall months encourages the algae to bloom and die.
The City is committed to providing a safe and sufficient supply of drinking water to the residents. While removing the harmful containments during the treatment and disinfection process, these factors trigger the earthy, fishy or grassy smell residents may experience coming from their water taps.
Trained city staff performs tests every four hours to make sure drinking water is safe and the harmful containments are removed.
Multiple samples are also sent weekly for bacteriological testing to the provincial lab. For more detailed information, the annual Water Treatment Report.
You can find a printable version of this information here.
Water conservation does not mean that you have to give up convenience or comfort. Reducing water loss, waste, or use in and around your home will result in immediate and long term savings!
Please read the Mandatory Water Conservation Fact Sheet for more information on the bylaw.
City of Weyburn Water Conservation Tips Brochure
Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory (PDWA)
A PDWA is issued due to a prolonged distribution system depressurization at the Water Treatment Plant.
Drinking water supply cannot be ensured at all times and therefore, pursuant to clause 32(1)(b) of The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2002, consumers are advised to:
(a) Boil all water, used for drinking purposes , for at least 1 minute, prior to use;
(b) Boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested;
i. Brushing teeth or soaking false teeth
ii. Washing fruits or vegetables
iii. Food or drink which will not be subsequently heated
iv. Ice cubes
(c) Not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply;
(d) Under most circumstances, not need to boil water used for other household purposes. People may use the water for washing and bathing, but should avoid swallowing the water.
Hand washed dishes should be washed with a small amount of bleach added to the dish water (10ml bleach per litre of water) to ensure proper disinfection. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.
(e) Use an alternative water source known to be safe, if they do not wish to boil the water.