Water is now flowing through a temporary water main installed across the D.J. MacDonald Bridge in Trenton.
Quinte West Director of Public Works Chris Angelo says the pipe is a short-term solution after a leak was detected in a concrete pipe that runs under the Trent River more than a week ago.
“We do have that temporary water main in service now and the existing 20″ high press con-pipe has actually been shut down so we’re able to isolate that now and we have that temporary water main in service servicing the west side of Trenton’s system.”
“We have a little bit more time to figure all this out and then go back to council and let them know what that plan is gonna be for the long term fix. We need to have this all done before freeze-up to remove that temporary water main that’s currently in service. We want to open that sidewalk back up and we want to have that pipe removed by then.”
Angelo says there was fantastic teamwork between all Quinte West staff once the initial leak was detected early on the morning of July 15.
“We test on an annual basis our Emergency Control Plan and you know, we’ve had these type of events where we’ve sort of planned these type of exercises and what happens if this happens, but you really can’t test the plan until such time as that actually the event happens. And this a great test to staff coming together very quickly.”
He also commended the work of contractor Cobourg Development Services who stepped up on short notice.
Angelo says the use of social media was very effective in helping to get the word out and keeping the community updated and he encourages residents to follow their social media pages.
