Reserve Loses Water Treatment Plant To Fire
Monday, February 01, 2010 at 15:37
A blaze on the Yellow Quill First Nation has robbed the community of its drinking water supply.
On Saturday, flames broke out at the water treatment plant on the reserve.
The facility was destroyed prompting the band to begin trucking in water from Melfort.
Chief Larry Cachene says the water is being stored in a reserve tank and it’s safe to drink.
Cachene says, at this point, investigators do not believe the fire was suspicious.
He adds it will take months before a new treatment facility can be built.
In the meantime, he says the band will explore alternative options.
An official with Indian Affairs says the department is considering setting up a portable reverse-osmosis plant on the reserve.
Trevor Sutter notes this type of short-term fix has been used before at Yellow Quill.
He adds a long-term solution is still a ways away.
Sutter says the department has also been making sure bottled water gets to residents that need it.