Amid a boil water advisory after fire shut the Wheatley water treatment plant last month, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission and public health have begun a new round of water testing.
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Tests are taking place within the Wheatley and Tilbury water distribution system, which has about 328 kilometers of water mains and serves 8,500 residents.
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The Sept. 13 fire extensively damaged the plant’s equipment, and replacing it is expected to take a year or more.
Interim solutions, potentially including a mobile treatment plant, are being considered.
“The PUC is supplying this water distribution system through system interconnects with other water systems and hauling bulk water to supplement supplies,” municipal officials said in a release.
“Along with ensuring adequate water system has sufficient pressure, there must also be adequate chlorine levels. The water must also be completely free of bacteriological contamination. When these conditions have been met, the boil water advisory can be lifted.”
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The PUC continues to urge water conservation, such as avoiding watering lawns, washing cars or filling hot tubs, and other non-essential water uses.
Since last week, the municipality has distributed seven semi-trailer loads — roughly 170,000 liters — of drinking water to affected residents.
Bottled water will be available for pickup in Wheatley and Tilbury arena parking lots from noon to 6 pm daily until the boil water advisory ends.
“We are recommending one or two cases per family per day, but understand that some circumstances may require more,” officials added.
“We encourage those with vehicles to help neighbors and friends without vehicles to acquire their water. While empty bottle containers can be put out with normal recycling collection, bins are being provided at both arena locations.”
Public health reminds residents that during the boil water advisory, water is safe to consume after bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute.
For updates on the boil water advisory and Wheatley water treatment plant, visit chatham-kent.ca/waterstatus. The boil water advisory update line is at 519-436-3250.
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