From Rocky Mountain House officials:

Due to the extreme cold, the Water Treatment Plant is seeing extensive frazil ice build-up in its lower lift pump house. This ice is blocking intake lines from the river, reducing the plant’s overall capacity.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House keeps about 4,000 cubic metres of treated water in storage. Due to the ice blockages, the treatment plant is not able to replenish the stores as quickly as normal, causing our water storages to gradually decrease.

“We’re asking for the public’s support in reducing water use until we get through this deep freeze,” said Marco Schoeninger, Director of Engineering and Operations.

Residents and businesses are asked to conserve water for the next two to three days until milder temperatures return.

The bulk water filling station is also closed until further notice.

Water treatment plant operators, with support from the department of Engineering and Operations, are working diligently to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. The Town’s portable steamer is in use to try to thaw the frazil ice accumulations and an additional steam unit has been ordered.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House will advise residents once normal operations resume.