As a result of the discovery of a foul odor in the Picton raw water sampling line (an early warning system), the County has taken the additional step of stopping water production at the Picton Drinking Water Plant. The County will begin shuttling treated water from other potable water sources today; as a result, a precautionary boil water advisory for all customers connected to the Picton/Bloomfield Drinking Water System has been implemented by the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit.
Mayor Robert Quaiff’s full comments from his Thursday afternoon press conference can be heard below.
· Since varied water supply trucks will be used to shuttle water, the Boil Water Advisory is being implemented as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk from the possible introduction of bacteria to the drinking water system.
· The Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit is recommending that all customers connected to the Picton/Bloomfield Drinking Water System bring water to a rapid boil for at least one minute prior to using it for domestic purposes (e.g. drinking, making infant formula and juice, brushing teeth, washing raw foods and making ice). A copy of “How to Use Water Safely During a Boil Water Advisory” will be made available on the County’s website: www.thecounty.ca/county-residents/construction-closures-and-service-disruptions/.
· No contaminants are known to have entered the water system. Indications of contamination from the sampling line served as a warning to ensure that no contaminants were drawn into the intake itself.
· The Boil Water Advisory will remain in place until such time that it is lifted by the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit.
· Customers connected to the Picton/Bloomfield Drinking Water System are urged to continue practicing water conservation measures and avoid any non-essential water use until the emergency state is lifted.
· Notices will be distributed via local media outlets, social media, The County’s website, and posted throughout public places in Picton and Bloomfield. Residents are encouraged to share the Advisory with their neighbours and isolated individuals.
· CountyFM (99.3FM) will be providing regular updates on behalf of the County.
· Once the Boil Water Advisory is lifted, communications will be shared through local media outlets, social media and The County’s website. At that time, affected users are recommended to flush household plumbing through the cold water tap until water runs cold to the touch.
· The County is committed to providing a consistent supply of safe drinking water to all consumers of The County’s municipal drinking water systems.
· Anyone with the ability to transport more than 5,000 gallons of treated water is encouraged to contact the County – additional haulage capacity would be welcome.
· For more information, contact Prince Edward County at 613-476-2148 ext. 1023 or info@pecounty.on.ca.
