The village of Ruddell can be added to the list of Saskatchewan communities in need of a potable water system, according to former mayor Byron Olsen.
The village gets its water from a dugout. The water system is classified as hygienic. Under this classification no new water hook ups are allowed, says Olsen in an e-mail to the Regional Optimist.
"Over 100 lots are affected and cannot connect to the village supply. Of the 134 lots in the village fewer than 20 are hooked up. This represents a major obstacle for any further development in the village," adds Olsen.
Olsen says, according to the regulations governing the use of water for small villages, hygienic systems are allowed only for communities that are in a steady state or are failing. A potable system or a permit for human consumptive is required before the village can start adding new water connections or make major improvements to the system.
"The community has been aware of the water issue since September 2008," Olsen explains. "The Village was looking into ways to improve the water quality. Requests to add new components to the water system were turned down because of the limitations of its water classification."
Olsen is adamant that Ruddell is not failing.
"There is some growth. There are buildings ready to connect and people have purchased lots with the expectation of 小蓝视频 able to connect. It's an issue that needs to be addressed for development to be possible."
Established in 1905, population 20, the village is located on a Highway 16, 30 kilometres from North Battleford and 100 kilometres from Saskatoon.
