The Pembina Valley Water Co-op (PVWC) continues to be in a critical high water usage situation and officials are concerned about the potential increase in agricultural use next week.

In an update posted to the Water Co-op's website, the Morris water treatment plant has now moved into a critical situation as well, and requires a mandatory water reduction for the system. This includes the municipalities of Roland, Morris and Thompson, and the Town of Morris. If a breakdown were to occur, the PVWC says the plant would run out of water in 8-10 hours.

Meantime, the Letellier water treatment plant saw minimal decrease in flows since the mandatory water reduction was issued for its service area on Wednesday. According to the PVWC, if a breakdown were to occur, the plant would run out of water in six hours or less

As well, officials are monitoring the Stephenfield water treatment plant, which is running at near maximum capacity.

Co-op CEO, Greg Archibald, said this is "becoming a regional issue".

PVWC says it is very sensitive to continuing to supply quality water to our health care facilities in the Southern Health region, and is working with municipalities to identify additional truck fills and other sources of water to support the agricultural and industrial community.

Meantime, RM of Morris Reeve, Ralph Groening, is pleading with ratepayers to take a hard look at how they conserve water. The Municipality is looking to reduce its overall consumption by 15 per cent in response to the increased demand at the Morris water treatment plant.

"Potable water is there for human consumption. Adjust your water consumption habits - no filling of pools and be very, very careful in how you use water," says Groening, adding this includes refraining from watering lawns and gardens with potable water.

In addition, Groening says farmers and livestock producers will be required to look for alternative sources of water during this time.