Regina activates 8 wells to meet water supply needs

Officials in Regina are asking citizens to reduce water consumption for things like washing cars and watering lawns. The city has also added back-up wells to its supply system.

"What we're experiencing is a shortfall of the amount of water we're getting into the plant to get treated to deliver to the city," Pat Wilson, from the city, said Monday. "So right now we're not getting our full daily needs."

The city said well water will be used for a few days to meet demand.

"Well water is safe and undergoes extensive testing to ensure quality," the city said in a media release about turning to a network of eight wells.

According to the city, water from Regina's regular source Buffalo Pound Lake near Moose Jaw is taking longer to process.

"Several years of wet weather and increased runoff has produced high levels of algae in the lake," the city said. "As well the large fluctuation from cool evenings to hot temperatures during the day have further contributed to the lake quality issues."

The city said there is no current issue with supplying the needs of residents but "is encouraging residents to conserve water by limiting unnecessary usage like lawn watering or washing vehicles."

The city said it will lead by example and will reduce watering of green spaces and parks.

As well, spray pads will not be turned on.