Epcor issues mandatory ban on non-essential water use

Epcor issued a mandatory ban on non-essential water use for the Edmonton-area on Monday as a result of an issue at a treatment plant.

Epcor issued a mandatory ban on non-essential water use for the Edmonton-area on Monday as a result of an issue at a treatment plant.

"At approximately 2:00 a.m., there was a failure in the distribution pumping equipment systems that move water from E.L. Smith Water Treatment Plant into the water distribution system. The Rossdale Water Treatment Plant remains operational; however, it cannot adequately supply the entire service area with normal water consumption," Epcor said in a news release.

As a result of the shutdown, residents in businesses in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont, and Fort Saskatchewan are being asked to avoid non-essential water use.

Businesses that use a large volume of water, such as laundromats and car washes, are being asked to halt water use.

Any business that is delivering a product or service that is life-sustaining to people, animals, and plants is exempt, as are businesses that must use water to meet health code standards, like health facilities and restaurants.

It's not known when service at the E.L. Smith plant will be restored. Restriction measures will be in place until the repair is finished.

Epcor says there is no impact to the quality of the drinking water as a result of the shutdown.