NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. - Efforts are continuing to stop the spread of a pipeline oil spill in the North Saskatchewan River.
A government official says booms placed on river by Husky Energy to contain the spill were ineffective yesterday because high water levels lifted the oil over the barriers.
As much as 250-thousand litres of crude oil and other material leaked into the river on Thursday from a breach in Husky's pipeline near Maidstone, Saskatchewan.
The company shut down the line and put out booms about 40 kilometres upstream from North Battleford.
But North Battleford officials started seeing oil on the water yesterday morning and shut down the city's water intake plant.
Spokesman Stewart Schafer says the city has a backup supply of water in its reservoirs and water tower that will be good for three days.
Prince Albert also urged its residents yesterday to fill bathtubs and jugs with water over the next 24 hours.
The oil is expected to hit Prince Albert by tomorrow, and the city will likely be closing its water treatment plant's intake from the river.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says no one wants to see an oil spill occur, but the latest leak doesn't change his support for pipelines.
