State of Emergency declared over in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
UPDATE:
The 'state of emergency' has been declared over as of Saturday evening.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Alan MacNevin stated that “through focused efforts of Ontario Clean Water Agency the plant is running a normal capacity once again.”
Adding that it was a group effort to get the issue resolved quickly.
MacNevin thanked residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the day.
The Facebook update wrapped up with a reminder for the area with MacNevin saying, “as always, we encourage water conservation and responsible use.”
ORIGINAL:
A 'state of emergency' has been declared in Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands after a water pump failed at the Little Current water treatment plant.
Mayor Al MacNevin made the declaration just before noon on Saturday morning. Around 9:00 a.m., residents were told if they didn't cut back then the town of Little Current would run out of water.
"One of the pumps failed and another one that was supposed to be a back up, didn't kick in so they brought another pump from another location and they're still having trouble getting it up to full capacity," MacNevin told CTVNews.
The mayor says why the pump failed is still unclear and crews are still investigating what happened at the facility.
Truckloads of bottled water are being distributed to those in town and is being delivered to those in need of physical assistance.
MacNevin says this is going to have an impact on restaurants, the hotel, the marina have all been asked to cut back. The Ontario Clean Water Agency has also been called as part of the declaration.
"It is producing some water but at a very limited rate so the less people use it the more that is available for when you absolutely need it but at some point in time our understandings is it might not be enough and then we'll be out of water," he said.
It's unclear on when they'll reach that point, that depends on the current level of consumption.
He's hoping the declaration will provide them with some answers as to how long they'll be facing this problem.
"It's a huge impact, in terms of COVID being shutdown and people reopening, you have a busy summer weekend and restaurants have closed and people are having to rely on bottled water, it's a big problem," he said.
The plant serves the area of Little Current and its surrounding area. As it stands now, the plant in Sheguiandah remains unaffected.
Once the plant does get up and running to full capacity, there will be concerns over water quality and pressure in the lines so residents are being asked to follow the direction of town officials.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.