WATER SYSTEM IN ROWAN’S RAVINE PROVINCIAL PARK TO BE UPGRADED

The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has awarded a contract to Morsky Development Corporation of Regina to replace the potable water system at Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park.

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport operates 66 potable water systems at various locations throughout the park system. Along with annual water testing and maintenance, a percentage of the potable water systems in the parks are upgraded yearly.

"Upgrading the water system in Rowan's Ravine ensures that our visitors have access to clean, safe drinking water," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "We work hard to make sure our parks remain in good condition so visitors have an enjoyable vacation."

The Water Regulations, 2002 requires that existing water systems have a water system assessment completed every five years to ensure they meet current drinking water standards. The assessment at Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park showed some routine work needed to be done including: replacing pumps, piping, installing new filters and adding more storage capacity. Until further notice, the existing water system at Rowan's Ravine is under a precautionary drinking water advisory.

Work will tentatively begin in July 2011 and is scheduled to be completed for the 2012 camping season. Testing and system commissioning will take place in the spring of 2012, prior to the park opening.

This water system upgrade fits with government's goal to continue improving Saskatchewan's provincial parks. Along with upgrading potable water systems, the government is on track to meet and exceed its commitment of adding electrical service to 1,000 campsites over four years. The ministry is also replacing or upgrading service centres, historical facilities, trails, picnic tables and barbeques.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Tiffany Stephenson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: tiffany.stephenson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927