People of Prince Albert, North Battleford still waiting for regular water supply

The people of Prince Albert and North Battleford will have to wait a little longer to see when regular water will flow again.
 
Both cities have been on temporary water supply since July 21, when around 225,000 litres of oil spilled into the North Saskatchewan River. At its peak, the water shortage impacted around 69,000 people.
 
The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) continues to test the water. It’s waiting on more capacity results, which determine how much intake a treatment plant can handle, before making a decision.

“I’m hopeful that use of the water intakes will be able to be used within the next few weeks,” said Sam Ferris with the WSA. “We remain hopeful that we will be able to see the return to use of the regular intakes before winter hits.”
 
Right now, the temporary water supply is being transported through large pipes that won’t withstand winter temperatures.
 
Since the spill, 73 per cent of the oil has been recovered and 85 per cent of the shoreline has been cleaned.
 
At last count, 144 animals have died as a result of the spill.