Emergency declared in Echo Bay, water being trucked in

An emergency declaration is in place in the Echo Bay area, about 25 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie, following last week’s oil spill at Algoma Steel.

Mayor Lynn Watson issued the order Monday morning citing potential contamination of the water supply for the environment centre’s water treatment.

The emergency declaration affects the township of MacDonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, and Echo Bay.

Watson said water will be trucked in to ensure reserves remain stable until the water advisory has been lifted.

"We’re presently bringing water in from Bruce Mines, truckloads of water from Bruce Mines," he said.

"The environmental truck out of Sudbury is the only truck in our area licensed to bring in the water. And so we’re moving water from Bruce Mines, (and) thanks to Bruce Mines for doing that with us."

It includes the properties along Lake George and those properties that draw water from the lake.

As of Monday, residents are under an emergency notice for water conservation. This means water must be used for essential purposes only and no irrigation or car washing is allowed until further notice.

"Don’t be using a whole lot of water, don’t be watering your lawns," said Watson.

"Use the water that you need to use."

Watson went on to say that the township's drinking water is safe, adding he's received a lot of calls from concerned people.

He said uncertainty surrounding the cost of having water trucked in was one reason for the state of emergency declaration, as it is not known how long the water advisory will be in effect.