Manitoba Sustainable Development is advising Manitobans that the oil spill on the North Saskatchewan River poses no immediate threat to Manitoba water.

Efforts to capture the oil are ongoing in Saskatchewan, though progress is hampered by high water and floating debris.

While containment is expected to be completed in time to protect Manitoba waterways, the slow travels of the oil slick through the eastern portions of the Saskatchewan River allow time to implement emergency plans if any cleanup is still required.

Though there is no risk to the water supply of any Manitoba community at this time, discussions are underway about alternatives within the town of The Pas, which uses the Saskatchewan River as a drinking water source.