The City of Moose Jaw has experienced a record-high number of watermain breaks in 2019.

So far this year, more than 120 breaks have been reported, compared to 70 in November last year. 

According to information from the city, as major failures are repaired, that puts more pressure on other areas in the system. Breaks are then experienced at the next weakest spot.

"We spent almost two million dollars in 2019 repairing breaks," said City Manager Jim Puffalt. "It's our worst year on record."

Replacing the City’s ageing castiron watermains is ongoing, with $42,700,000 from the City to be allocated over the next five years and phase five scheduled for completion in 2020.

Puffalt said a portion of that funding will come from the government.

"We've been able to access another 3.3 million in provincial and federal funding in 2020-21."

With funding and the addition of a new City construction crew to begin full-time employment in February 2020, Puffalt said he expects to see a rapid reduction in breaks over the next couple of years.

"When that happens, those funds currently being spend on the repairs and breaks will move to the castiron watermain replacement program allowing the city to make rapid progress as more resources have been allocated to the system."

For more information about the city's waterworks program and spending for 2020, click here.