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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.