Damage is being assessed after a fire knocked out Eden Valley’s water treatment plant on Nov. 29.
The fire started at approximately 6 a.m., Foothills Fire Department Deputy Chief Scott Young said.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished thanks to the efforts of fire departments from throughout the Foothills, and Eden Valley Fire.
Reg Fountain, Stoney Nakoda director of emergency management, said one of the water treatment buildings was destroyed in the fire.
"The fire destroyed portions of the water treatment plant at Eden Valley," Fountain said.
The water treatment plant consists of two buildings connected by a breezeway. The older of the buildings was totally destroyed and the remaining building suffered damage from heat, water and smoke, he said.
“There is a boil water advisory in place right now,” he said, “However, the water remains available, the taps are running and all the lines are fully charged. It's just we're wanting to check to make sure that the water is still safe for consumption.”
Crews are able to bring potable water from Longview to fill Eden Valley’s potable water reservoir, to keep it at a sufficient level to maintain pressure in the water lines, Fountain said.
The water treatment plant will stay offline until a complete assessment can be made, and a timeline for repairs is not yet known.
"We are working with our colleagues from Indigenous Services Canada to do water testing and confirmation of potable water,” Fountain said.
“We continue to work to keep the potable water available for the residents of Eden Valley.”
