Halifax Water Issues Boil Water Order for Wide Area Communities

Halifax Water has issued a boil water order affecting a significant number of communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The impacted areas include Halifax, Bedford, Spryfield, Timberlea, Hammonds Plains, Beaver Bank, Middle Sackville, and Lower Sackville. Residents in these regions are advised to boil their water for at least one minute before consumption or food preparation.

The root of the issue stems from a power outage at the JD Kline (Pockwock) Lake Water Treatment Facility. Due to this interruption, unchlorinated water made its way into the system, prompting the boil water order. The facility, which services over 200,000 people, is diligently working to rectify the situation and restore water safety.

Jeff Myrick, the communications manager for Halifax Water, expressed concern over the glitch in the chlorination process and the failure of the backup power system. The utility is investigating the cause of these technical failures to prevent future occurrences.

As a precautionary measure, Halifax Water is collaborating closely with Nova Scotia Environment and the Medical Officer of Health to monitor water quality and ensure necessary steps are taken to safeguard public health. Dartmouth residents, who receive water from a different treatment facility, are not impacted by the current boil water order.

The boil water advisory is expected to remain in effect for at least 24 to 48 hours as Halifax Water works to eliminate any traces of unchlorinated water from the system. Customers are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow the guidelines provided until the advisory is lifted.