Phones were abuzz with calls and texts this afternoon as the City announced Emergency Water Restrictions had been put in place. The alert sent out quoted a "serious technical issue" at the Weyburn water treatment plant and instructed all residents to restrict water usages to essential household use only.

"There are some mechanical issues with the distribution pumps," said Superintendent of Public Works Claude Morin. "We are requesting that all residents restrict all water usages to absolutely essential use only."

The restrictions were put into place immediately, including the closure of the city spray parks. The outdoor pool and paddling pool remain open.

As well, a second call came out mere minutes later announcing a boil water advisory is now also in effect for Weyburn residents.

"For food and drinking purposes, water needs to be boiled," said Morin. "At this point in time we are really just asking everybody's cooperation to restrict water usage and they are probably going to see some intermittent water pressure throughout the day while we get the problem fixed at the water plant."

Manager of the Weyburn Utility Board Ron Fellner explained that the issue will affect rural customers.

"All rural customers are now on a precautionary boil water advisory and it will be in effect until you hear differently," said Fellner.

The City of Weyburn has released a statement on their Facebook page.

We will have more details as they become available.