********UPDATE February 2, 2024 @ 2:00 PM********

Following the completion of repairs at the E.L Smith Water Treatment Plant, and stabilization of the water distribution network, EPCOR has ended the ban on non-essential water use in Edmonton and the Capital Region. As a result, the Demand Measure C restrictions in the Town of Stony Plain have been lifted.

Read more in EPCOR’s latest news release here.

The Town extends a heartfelt thank you to all individuals and businesses for their understanding, cooperation, and patience over the last four days as this situation was resolved.

 

********UPDATE FEBRUARY 1, 2024 @ 4:50 PM********

Good news for Stony Plain and the broader Capital Region!

EPCOR has informed the Town that crews and contractors worked overnight and successfully repaired electrical systems at the EL Smith Water Treatment Plant. The mandatory ban on non-essential water use mu​​​st remain in place while pumping systems are tested at full capacity.

Read the full EPCOR news release here. Updates will continue to be provided until this situation is resolved.

 

********UPDATE FEBRUARY 1, 2024 @ 4:00 PM********

The Town of Stony Plain is pleased to share progress in the community-wide water conservation efforts amidst the ongoing situation resulting from the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant service interruption. In a proactive move, the Town has directly engaged with non-critical, high water usage businesses. Personalized letters were hand-delivered this morning, providing education and emphasizing the need for a reduction in non-essential water usage.

Fire Chief Trevor Mistal, acting as the Town’s Director of Emergency Management, expressed his appreciation for the community's response: "The level of understanding and immediate action we've seen today from our local businesses has been truly remarkable. It's clear that everyone is willing to do their part to ensure the well-being of our community." Mistal goes on to say, “all identified users have taken voluntary steps to reduce their water consumption during this time.”

Doug Fraser, Supervisor of Utilities and Environment, also the ECC’s Operations Chief, shares insights into the current water supply status: "Thanks to the efforts of our community, our reservoir levels are maintaining within a normal range. This is an important step in ensuring our community remains safe and well-served during this situation."

Stephanie Barsby Boisvert, Senior Communications Officer and ECC’s Information Officer, highlighted the importance of ongoing communication: "We're committed to keeping our community informed and engaged. The positive feedback and proactive measures taken by our local businesses and residents underscore the strength of our community spirit. Let's continue to work together to navigate this situation." Barsby Boisvert goes on to say, “the response from business owners and managers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the direct communication and the opportunity to contribute to the community's welfare during this time.”

The Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) will continue to monitor water levels and formulate plans for next steps. Stony Plain’s focus remains on reducing non-essential water usage across the board. The Town is committed to providing daily updates until the community returns to normal operations.

The Town wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all individuals and businesses for their understanding, cooperation, and proactive measures. Your actions are making a difference.

Stay informed with daily updates by following Stony Plain’s news releases, social media channels, and signage. Together, we are navigating this situation with resilience and community spirit.

 

********UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2024 @ 4:30PM ********

The Town of Stony Plain has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) in light of the critical water shortage and is intensifying its enforcement of Demand Measure C water restrictions.

Fire Chief Trevor Mistal is the Town’s acting Director of Emergency Management (DEM) within the ECC and says, “The role of every resident and business is now more crucial than ever. We must all work together to ensure a reduction of all non-essential water usage to maintain adequate water levels for the entire community. Compliance is not just requested – it is essential.”

Supervisor of Utilities and Environment, Doug Fraser, who is also the ECC’s Operations Chief says, “The situation has escalated: the Water Commission has informed the Town they are reducing our fill rates to protect their reservoir levels. This means Stony Plain will receive less water each night to replenish its reserves – a serious situation that cannot be overstated.”

To further conserve our dwindling water supply, the Town is now contemplating reducing water pressure for all businesses and residents by 5 psi. This reduction is expected to be clearly noticeable and is a measure of the importance of our current situation.

Immediate Actions for Residents:

  • Postpone laundry and other large water uses (e.g., filling hot tubs, extensive bathing)
  • Minimize dish usage and wash them with utmost efficiency
  • Limit showers to 5 minutes or less
  • Cease running water while brushing teeth
  • Stop flooding backyard ice rinks immediately
  • Flush toilets only for essential use

"In these challenging times, staying informed is not just important, it's crucial. I urge everyone to sign up for urgent updates in the Town's Newsroom on our website, regularly check the Utilities and Water page for critical updates, follow our social media channels for real-time information, pay attention to digital signs at Rotary and Heritage Park, and heed Portable Message Signs on major Stony Plain roadways. We are at a pivotal moment and need the full cooperation of every resident. Please take a moment to review the '10 Tips to Conserve Water at Home' on our website. Your understanding and active participation are key to successfully navigating this emergency," says Stephanie Barsby Boisvert, Senior Communications Officer and ECC’s Information Officer.

The Town will provide updates via news release and social media daily by 4:30PM and as the situation evolves.

 

********UPDATE JANUARY 30, 2024 @ 3:30 PM********

EPCOR has determined the likely cause of the distribution pumping equipment system failure and is forecasting the repairs and water network stabilization will be complete by Sunday, February 4 as per EPCOR’s news release this afternoon. Once repairs have been completed and the plant’s full pumping capacity has been restored, it will take several days to replenish the reservoirs and stabilize the distribution network.

Until the water system has reached acceptable operating levels, the mandatory ban on non-essential water use will remain in place. EPCOR currently expects the restriction to be in place until mid-day on Sunday, February 4. It is critical that residents and businesses continue to reduce non-essential water use during the repair and restoration period.

Residents can help by continuing to do the following:

  • defer laundry or large uses of water such as filling hot tubs
  • use a small amount of dishes and wash them as efficiently as possible
  • take short showers rather than baths
  • don't run the water when brushing your teeth
  • discontinue flooding backyard ice rinks.
  • and considering limiting toilet flushing to essential use only

An update will be provided when there is a change in status. Residents and Businesses can stay informed by:

  • Subscribing to the Town’s Newsroom on the website for updates
  • Check for updates to the Utilities and Water page of the website
  • Follow social media channels for the latest information
  • Look out for digital sign messaging at Rotary and Heritage Park

The Town encourages residents and businesses to review 10 Tips to Conserve Water at Home and would also like to thank all of you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

 

********UPDATE JANUARY 29, 2024 @ 3:30 PM********

Effective immediately, EPCOR has implemented a mandatory ban on non-essential water use due to a pump issue at E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant, which has halted water distribution from one of the region’s two water treatment plants. In response, the Town of Stony Plain is advancing from Demand Management Measure B to Demand Management Measure C to manage water resources efficiently.

Key Points of Demand Management Measure C:

  • Immediate cessation of non-essential water use for Town operations
  • Immediate cessation of non-essential water use for Residents

Businesses using large volumes of non-essential water, such as laundromats and car washes, must halt water use. Businesses using water to deliver a product or service that is life sustaining for people, animals and plants are exempt. Other exemptions include any businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, such as hospitals and restaurants.

All residents need to conserve water by taking short showers instead of baths and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, delay laundry and hand-wash small amounts of dinner dishes. Every drop helps.

At this time, it is unknown when water service from E.L. Smith will be restored. Water restriction measures will be in place until the repair is complete.

There is no impact to the quality of the drinking water.

An update will be provided when there is a change in status. Residents and Businesses can stay informed by:

  • Subscribing to the Town’s Newsroom on the website for updates
  • Check for updates to the Utilities and Water page of the website
  • Follow social media channels for the latest information
  • Look out for digital sign messaging at Rotary and Heritage Park

The Town encourages residents and businesses to review 10 Tips to Conserve Water at Home and would also like to thank all of you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

 

********ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE********

In response to the recent failure of switch gear at the EL Smith Water Treatment Plant, which has led to a significant reduction in potable water supply, the Town of Stony Plain is activating Demand Management Measure B. This measure is a part of the Town's water restriction plan, designed to manage water resources efficiently during emergencies. 

Key Points of Demand Management Measure B:

  • Immediate cessation of non-essential water use for Town operations
  • Residents are urged to reduce non-essential water use 

Effective immediately, the following activities are halted by the Town:

  • watermain flushing
  • sewer main flushing
  • firefighting training
  • street sweeping
  • irrigation
  • flow tests
  • washing fleet vehicles (including buses)
  • and the operation of spray decks 

Residents are encouraged to contribute to conservation efforts by avoiding:

  • washing vehicles
  • opting for shorter showers over baths
  • refraining from draining and refilling hot tubs
  • and considering limiting toilet flushing to essential use only 

Doug Fraser, Supervisor of Utilities and Environment, emphasizes the community's role. “Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that we manage this situation effectively. We need to work together to minimize the impact of this situation on our water supply.” Fraser goes on to say, “Current reservoir levels are adequate for essential services, including firefighting.” 

The Town will continue to provide updates, including notification of when restrictions are lifted or elevated. Residents and Businesses can stay informed by:

  • Subscribing to the Town’s Newsroom on the website for updates
  • Check for updates to the Utilities and Water page of the website
  • Follow social media channels for the latest information
  • Look out for digital sign messaging at Rotary and Heritage Park 

The Town encourages residents and businesses to review 10 Tips to Conserve Water at Home and would also like to thank all of you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.