Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — So much for a quick fix.

Gravenhurst’s water problem is worse than first believed.

So all residents look to be without safe water for a while yet due to a chemical imbalance in the municipal water system.

The district reiterated: “Do not turn on your taps, or use your water, until you receive notification it is safe.”

And as home and business owners continue to be advised not to drink or boil water for use, they are also now being urged to turn off their hot water heater if they do have any running water.

This afternoon, in their third release since the warning went out at 7 a.m., the District of Muskoka, says they “hope to get the taps flowing soon.”

But they originally said the same thing mid-morning.

Gravenhurst is the only town affected.

The problem started early Saturday when the district’s water department discovered the town’s system needed to be fully shut down in order to fully examine the problem of water quality.

They say: “Out of an abundance of caution, the district is working to confirm the chemical levels, to ensure the water is safe to drink and use. Taps are currently shut off to municipal customers in the Town of Gravenhurst.”
Officials say although some residents may still have water pressure, do not drink the water.

“Do not boil the water before drinking.

“This is a ‘do not use’ order. Refrain from using the water for any purpose with the exception of flushing your toilet, until further notice.”
And depending on when in the next day — or days — the district advises that a ‘Boil Water Advisory’ will be in effect when water service is restored, as required by Public Health.

The district says in it “recognizes this water emergency has caused frustration and concern. We sincerely thank you for your patience as we investigate this issue – and are working hard to turn the taps back on and restore water service.”

Meanwhile the District has delivered a water truck with clean drinking water at Canadian Tire, at 431 Talisman Drive.

Residents can bring their containers, jugs and bottles to be filled during the water outage.

The truck will be stationed inside the auto centre.

And in the district is working with our partners to secure additional bottled water, and will update the community when this has been arranged.

While there are also public water taps in Gravenhurst they are temporarily out of service.

The closest public water tap is located at 340 Ecclestone Dr. in Bracebridge.

If you need help or support today, contact housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or 705-645-2100 if you need immediate assistance or support during this water emergency.

Out of an abundance of caution, the taps to the Town of Gravenhurst have been turned off.

If you have already used the water, please monitor your health, and seek medical attention if necessary. Please refrain from using water until further notice.

The district also recommends property owners shut off their hot water tank temporarily, until water service is restored.

The Gravenhurst Fire Department is aware of this water emergency and has activated contingency plans to address fire protection concerns.

Health Unit order issued

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has also issued a ‘Do Not Use’ water order for the Town of Gravenhurst’s drinking water system due to a “potential chemical contamination.”

This order remains in effect until lifted by the Medical Officer of Health after sampling confirms no contamination of the drinking water.

A Do Not Use advisory is issued when an alternate water source such as bottled water should be used for bathing, showering, hand hygiene, consumption, food preparation, preparing infant formula, gargling, brushing teeth, making ice and beverages, washing dishes, for pets to drink, and washing fruits and vegetables.

If you have already used the water, please monitor your health, and seek medical attention if necessary and refrain from using water until further notice.

The District recommends property owners shut off their hot water tank temporarily, until water service is restored.

• Do not boil the water for use
• Do not use the water with the exception of flushing your toilet
• Do not turn on your taps, or use your water, until you receive notification it is safe.

Water pressure may be restored but it does not mean that the water is safe for use and should not be used, except to flush toilets, until you are notified by the Medical Officer of Health.

For more information on Do Not Use orders, visit our website here or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need immediate help or support today, please contact the District of Muskoka at housingsupport@muskoka.on.ca or call 705-645-2412.

 

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