The blanket is supposed to form on the bottom of a filtration tank when a chemical is added to the water. But Randy Strelioff, North Battleford's manager of public works, said Friday it often takes a time for the chemical blanket to form and be seated properly. It wasn't until there were reports of cryptosporidium that officials began thinking there was a problem with the plant. The city issued a boil water advisory April 25 and a boil water order April 27. Making matters worse is the fact the city's sewage treatment plant is actually upstream from its water plant.
Treated effluent flows downstream into the drinking water intake.
Cryptosporidium was found in the victim's stool. The other two suffered from symptoms. One died in the past week and the other in the past month. Dr. Gerhard Benade said the city does not have permission to release more details about the deaths. Five people were in hospital Saturday, in stable condition with symptoms, but only one definitely has cryptosporidium, said Benade.