Photo credit: globalnews.ca
Boil Water Advisory Lifted in Halifax
Halifax Water has announced the immediate lifting of the boil water advisory that had been in effect for the past two days, impacting over 200,000 residents in the area.
The advisory, which was first issued on Tuesday, stemmed from a power disruption at a critical water treatment facility. The service affected encompasses customers connected to the JD Kline (Pockwock) water treatment facility, including regions such as Beaver Bank, Middle and Lower Sackville, Upper Hammonds Plains, Hammonds Plains, Bedford, Halifax, Timberlea, Spryfield, Fall River, Waverley, Windsor Junction, and Herring Cove.
According to Halifax Water, the water is now deemed safe for consumption. Residents are advised to flush their water systems for a duration of ten minutes from appliances like fridges or any devices that store water. Additionally, it’s recommended that customers dispose of any ice produced during the advisory period from ice makers or ice trays.
Continuous Monitoring and Assurance
Halifax Water has been actively monitoring the water system and has conducted the necessary sampling mandated by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) and health officials. The utility confirmed that test results showed all drinking water samples met the established health standards, allowing for the immediate repeal of the boil water advisory.
Impact on Education Facilities
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education has begun removing barriers and signage from water fountains and taps across various educational facilities, signaling the return to normal operations.
Brittany Smith, a representative for Halifax Water, provided insight into the circumstances leading to the advisory. She explained that the Pockwock Lake treatment facility was operating on generators due to a planned power outage when a fuse blew as power was restored. This interruption lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which treated water lacked adequate chlorine disinfection.
Smith pointed out the timing was especially unfortunate, as the facility was only days away from implementing an upgrade designed to chlorinate water even during power outages. This upgrade was recommended following a similar incident last summer, when an electrical failure at the same facility prompted a previous boil water advisory.
This incident marks the second boil water advisory in recent months, with a previous advisory occurring in July due to an electrical malfunction that allowed unchlorinated water to enter the distribution system.
For residents, the lifting of the advisory brings a much-awaited return to normalcy, facilitating safe water access for drinking and daily use.
Source
globalnews.ca