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The shutdown leaves about 2,800 people without water, including some residents of nearby communities that share the town's supply.

Trew says the town declared a local state of emergency, which is in effect until Friday.

He says residents can now flush water for their toilets, but the town is still under a no-use order, meaning water shouldn't be consumed or used for cleaning and bathing.

Trew says the break-in at the distribution reservoir was reported to the RCMP.

"We do not know if anything was put in (the water). But as a part of the protocols set by Water Security Agency, you have to assume the worst, you have to err on the side of caution and then you have to follow the protocols," Trew said in an interview Wednesday.

The town shut off the water supply immediately and began the work of taking all the treated water out of the system and sanitizing the reservoirs, he said.

Trew said residents won't be able to use tap water until next week, when it can be tested to see if it's safe.

A notice from the Water Security Agency says residents are warned against trying to treat tap water themselves and should only use bottled water.

The town is handing out bottled water at the local arena, with each household allowed two, four-litre jugs for free.

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Dec. 17, 2025.

— By Daniela Germano in Edmonton

Note to readers:This is a corrected story. A previous version said 28,000 residents were affected after the water system was shut down in Outlook, Sask.