WATER TRUCK COMES TO RESCUE AS GRAVENHURST WITHOUT WATER ANOTHER DAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — First responders were on alert for today’s water crisis here.

And while firefighters were monitoring water levels for fire hydrant pressures, police and paramedics were first on hand to distribute water to weary residents thirsty for hydration.

When John Stewart of Green’s Haulage in Huntsville delivered a tanker of clean safe water to the Canadian Tire parking lot this afternoon, it was OPP constables Greg Bladon and Dan Denhartdog who were pumping out complimentary pails of fresh water.

Stewart said his load was enough to fill a 24-foot swimming pool with water left over.

Resident Kevin Denne was one of the first to show up.

He said he was surprised to pick up jug of his own inside the CTC — just enough for himself.

“It’s just me,” he said as he hauled away hefty load. “I don’t need much.”

Others took away provided pails-worth.

Across the parking lot paramedics delivered a rental truckload of bottled water — 40 in each shrink wrapped package — the back of the store.

CTC worker John Legg brought them around front to an automotive bay door for distribution.

And it didn’t take long for people to pull up in their cars for the free offering.

Both bottled and trucked water were available till late Saturday afternoon.

The water provided by the district will continue Sunday and until town water is declared safe by the health unit.

A resident lines up for water this afternoon at the Canadian Tire parking lot where free pails were also offered.
OPP constables Greg Bladon and Dan Denhartdog filled and capped pails for distribution. (Photo Alex Hogg, MuskokaTODAY.com)
Resident Kevin Denne walks away with just enough water for himself.
The free water will be available again Sunday and until there’s an all-clear on safe water to drink and use. (Photo Alex Hogg, MuskokaTODAY.com)
Muskoka Paramedic Services brought a truckload of bottled water to give away at CTC.
CTC forklift driver John Legg loads a skid of water into an automotive bay being used for the water distribution Saturday.
CTC worker Jonathan McEwen watches as a resident Mark lifts a case of bottles onto his shoulder during today’s giveaway.

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