Water restrictions in Regina could impact Canada’s Farm Progress Show June 17-19.

Mark Allan, chief executive officer of Evraz Place, said the restrictions mean that wash water for the equipment coming in for display will have to come from somewhere other than the city’s potable water supply.

“Right now we have been in touch with the mobile wash guys,” he said June 8. “They’ll be going elsewhere for their water.”

Staff will assess how water can be conserved throughout the park.

“Generally speaking, for the customers coming in, they’re not going to see a huge difference,” Allan said. “But we want to make sure we’re not adding to the problem.”

Just before press time Regina announced it was gradually reducing water restrictions, but it was unclear whether those changes would come in time for pre-show detailing.

The problem is not a lack of water supply but an early and heavy algae bloom that has affected operation of the Buffalo Pound Treatment Plant.

The plant supplies Regina, Moose Jaw and several smaller rural communities. All users have been asked to cut water use as much as possible by not watering lawns and taking other measures.

Water has been moved out of Buffalo Pound and water from Lake Diefenbaker is being diverted to Buffalo Pound to help clear out the algae, but that water will take some time to arrive.

Allan said he expects some exhibitors will opt to clean their equipment before it arrives for the show. All exhibitors will be notified of the need to restrict water use.