SASKWATER ANNOUNCES 2003 RESULTS

SaskWater released its 2003 Annual Report today.

Water sales increased by 11.5 per cent to 4.2 billion gallons, largely as a result of new customers. Operating revenues were up from $14.5 million in 2002 to $16 million in 2003.

SaskWater also invested $3.2 million to expand two regional water supply systems to serve the towns of Star City and Cudworth and to buy the water treatment plant in White City. SaskWater reported a loss of $2.3 million in 2003.

"In 2003 SaskWater added new customers in all lines of business," Minister Responsible for SaskWater Peter Prebble said. "Water sales are expected to increase again in 2004. This year, the corporation expects to invest $8.5 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in the province."

2003 also marked the establishment of important partnerships with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and Consulting Engineers of Saskatchewan. These partnerships strengthen the ability of SaskWater to offer high quality water and wastewater services to municipalities.

SaskWater, the provincial Crown water utility, designs, builds, owns and operates water supply and wastewater systems providing quality and cost-effective water and wastewater treatment. SaskWater also provides certified operation and maintenance of customer-owned systems. SaskWater owns six water treatment plants and over 760 km of pipeline. The company provides water to:

• 48 municipal customers;
• 36 industrial customers;
• 42 public water boards, user groups, co-operatives and pipeline associations that supply water to about 1140 rural households and farms; and
• 330 individual rural households

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For More Information, Contact:

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