Breaking news from Saskatchewan

Tiny town loses water war
From cbc.ca
Last Updated Jun 6 2006 01:49 PM CDT

The village of Keeler has been found guilty of violating the provincial Water Act after failing to put chlorine in its drinking water.

The mayor of Keeler, a community of eight about 100 kilometres northwest of Regina, says residents can't afford to chlorinate.

The provincial government says that's not safe and last year took the village to court.

A judge ruled Monday in favour of the province.

Keeler was found guilty of violating a provincial chlorination order, supplying water for human consumption without continuous disinfection, and operating a drinking water facility without the use of a meter. However, no penalty has been imposed yet. The village is asking Saskatchewan Environment to reclassify its water and have it declared off-limits for drinking.

The judge wants to know if the department will do that and has adjourned sentencing until later this month.

The prosecution is asking for a fine. The judge could also order the village to chlorinate.

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[Ed. note: italics are added for emphasis, though ideally the entire article should be italicized.]