Saskatchewan town relaxes after Crypto outbreak; advisory persists in nearby city

Battleford has lifted its drinking water advisory after a nearby outbreak of Cryptosporidium made more than 50 people sick. In the city of North Battleford, where the outbreak was centered, the boil water order still is active.

May 22, 2001

BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN, May 22, 2001 -- Battleford has lifted its drinking water advisory after a nearby outbreak of Cryptosporidium made more than 50 people sick. In the city of North Battleford, where the outbreak was centered, the boil water order still is active.

Battleford's water supply is its wells rather than the North Saskatchewan River. The latest tests on the town's wells and pipeline systems have shown no evidence of Cryptosporidium or Giardia.

Residents in North Battleford and Ruddell have been boiling their water since April 25. These communities get their water from the river.

An environmental report found that a faulty filtration system made it possible for cryptosporidia to enter the water distribution system.