Owen Sound Faces Challenges in Lifting Boil Water Advisory

A precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect for Owen Sound, Ontario, as municipal officials assess multiple factors before it can be lifted. City Manager Tim Simmonds stated that a combination of elements, including water treatment system performance and source water quality from Georgian Bay, will be evaluated in consultation with Grey Bruce Public Health and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The advisory was issued on March 15, 2024, after high turbidity levels were detected at the city’s water treatment facility. Increased cloudiness can hinder disinfection processes, which are critical for safe drinking water. The advisory affects Owen Sound, the village of Leith in Meaford, and certain areas of Georgian Bluffs connected to the city’s water system.

During this advisory, residents are advised to bring all water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene. This precaution is especially important for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

In his update, Simmonds explained that the challenges stemmed primarily from poor source water conditions, which were exacerbated by recent warm weather and heavy rainfall. This combination increased runoff into the bay, leading to higher turbidity levels, which complicate water treatment efforts.

“The plant itself has continued to operate and is functioning properly, but the rate at which water could be safely filtered and treated was challenged by the quality of the incoming water,” Simmonds noted. The poor water conditions have persisted longer than usual, partially due to the presence of ice cover on the bay, which limited visibility and understanding of the extent and origin of the turbidity.

The city is actively monitoring water quality through enhanced testing and is collaborating with public health officials to assess potential health risks and implement necessary mitigation measures. Lifting the advisory will depend on confirming that water is safe for consumption; notifications will be provided via the city’s website at OwenSound.ca/News.

Residents are encouraged to share information about the advisory with anyone using the city’s water system. While adults and older children can continue to wash and bathe, they should avoid swallowing the water. For infants and toddlers, sponge bathing is recommended.

It is not necessary to boil water used for laundry, dishwashing, or bathing. However, Richard H. Neath Water Purification Plant officials advise that domestic dishwashers may not adequately disinfect dishes. For those washing dishes by hand, instructions include rinsing in hot water and soaking them in a dilute bleach solution before air drying.

As the city navigates these challenges, residents are advised to remain informed and cautious regarding their water use until the advisory is officially lifted.