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Lethbridge declares state of emergency over water shortage

March 12, 2014, Lethbridge, Alta. – The city of Lethbridge in southern Alberta has declared a state of emergency due to a critical water shortage.

Officials say the quick snow melt due to rising temperatures is causing high turbidity in the Oldman River from which the city pulls its supply.

That's making the water extremely difficult to treat, so residents and businesses as being asked to restrict water usage to cooking and drinking.

Production at the water treatment plant has been shut down and the city is unable to restore water storage levels.

All pools and arenas are being closed to try to conserve water and car washes have been asked to stop operating.

The city says the heavy runoff is expected to continue.