Water advisory in Little Current lifted, water safe to drink

A boil water advisory is in effect for parts of Elliot Lake. An undated photo of a running water faucet. (File photo/CTV News)

Sudbury and District Public Health has lifted the drinking water advisory for the residents in Little Current, officials said Sunday morning.

"The bacteriological quality of the water supply has been tested with no adverse results being reported," said Burgess Hawkings, a manager in the Public Health’s Health Protection Division, in a news release from the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.

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On Thursday, the Little Current Water Treatment Plant encountered a mechanical problem that resulted in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

“Ontario Clean Water Agency mobilized a crew to repair the plant and by late afternoon the distribution system was recharged,” said town officials.

“However, as a result of the loss of pressure the water in the system had to undergo tests over several days to ensure the quality of the water was fit for consumption.”

Public Health Sudbury and District said those tests have now been completed and the water is safe to drink – residents of Little Current and the surrounding area can once again return to their regular use of municipal water.

“Residents in the affected areas may notice chlorine odours and discoloured water,” said Hawkings.

Public health officials provided following suggestions on what to do before using the water now that the advisory has been lifted:

• Run cold water faucets for 5 minutes or until the water runs clear.
• Run drinking fountains for 5 minutes before using the water or until the water runs clear.
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
• Drain and refill hot water heaters.
• To get rid of sediment, faucet screens should be removed, rinsed and put back in place.

Public health also noted that large-volume water users, such as schools, may need to run cold water taps longer on first use.

A long three days

During the 72-hour period that drinking water was not available, the municipality distributed bottled water to its residents from a distribution center at the public works yard on Gammie Street in Little Current. Potable water was available at the Sheguindah water treatment plant.

“I would like to thank Andrew Orr for working with the town to expedite a transport load of bottled water from down south on short notice,” said Mayor Al MacNevin.

Town officials said all necessary steps to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to residents have been taken and the town council ensured that the public was kept informed via notices to residents, press releases and social media. The town said it committed the necessary resources to help staff deal with the situation.

Town staff worked with local businesses to mitigate the impact of the situation on their operations.

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Alan MacNevin the mayor of the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands on June 16, 2022. (File Photo/Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands - NEMI/Facebook)

“I would also like to thank our contractors, volunteers and staff who committed just over 500 hours of their time and energy to resolving the issue and ensuring a supply of safe drinking water to our community,” said MacNevin.

“I know that this has been a very difficult time for many people in our community and I thank you all for your patience and support over the last few days.”