City of Regina continues to urge water conservation

As the Government of Saskatchewan announcedplans to help Regina with its water supply problems, the city continues to urge residents to conserve.

Mayor Michael Fougere said on Friday that the city has seen moderate improvement and thanked people for cooperating, but added that there is still more work ahead.

He said that the weekend is often a time of higher usage.

When asked whether he wanted the province to get involved sooner, Fougere said the actions are timely.

"We're all working together, this is a new circumstance and we appreciate their actions," Fougeresaid. "We want to see it done, we're pleased with it."

• RELATED:Province plans lake release to support city water woes

The city is taking measures of its own such as holding off on filling public pools and spray pads. The city is also only washing vehicles that need washing for public health reasons, which does not include public buses.

The provincial Water Security Agency revealed on Friday that a controlled release of water from Lake Diefenbaker will take place to replace a portion of water atBuffalo Pound Lake.

Officials have said that the problems at the Buffalo Pound Treatment Plant are due to weather conditions and algae growth affecting the quality of the water.

Regina activated back-up wells to meet demand on Monday and went on to plea for a 25-per-cent water reduction through the week.

• WatchMayor Michael Fougererespond to questions about the province's involvement in the water issue on Twitter.