WATER TREATMENT UPGRADES IN EDENWOLD

The days of poor water quality are a thing of the past in Edenwold, thanks to SaskWater's $530,000 investment in a new water treatment process. The water now meets all the regulatory standards established by Saskatchewan Environment.

"I never used to trust our water system and I kept a water cooler for drinking," Edenwold Mayor Deval Ruecker said. "Now I store my water cooler in the basement because I have complete confidence in our new system."

Like many communities across Saskatchewan, Edenwold depends on a dugout as a water source. The relatively shallow water, in the presence of sunlight, creates an environment in which algae and aquatic vegetation can thrive. The new system contains several improvements to the treatment process to remove a higher level of contaminants.

"Residents now have an adequate supply of healthy drinking water which will meet their needs into the future," Minister responsible for SaskWater Peter Prebble said. "The new treatment system has greatly improved the clarity of Edenwold's drinking water, sharply reduced the presence of contaminants such as trihalomethanes and provided local residents with the security of knowing their water quality is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is another example of SaskWater working with a local community to develop a flexible, cost-efficient solution."

Edenwold transferred ownership of its water treatment plant to SaskWater in August 2002. The upgraded water treatment plant began operation at the end of March 2005.

"This is an outstanding solution to the challenges faced by our water system," Ruecker said. "Knowing that it is in the hands of qualified technicians and is being constantly monitored, we can be assured of quality drinking water. We now look forward to encouraging new residents and businesses to relocate to our community."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Felechia Brodie SaskWater Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-3940 Cell: (306) 539-9707