The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect as the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission continues to assess damage caused by the fire at the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant.
Water samples are being taken today from the distribution system and the samples are being expedited.
Up-to-the-minute information on the Boil Water Advisory can be found by calling the Water Advisory Update Line at 519-436-3250.
In terms of the Water Treatment Plant structure itself, the initial investigation has taken place and structural engineers are on-site assessing the extent of the damage. A restoration team is ready to start decontamination to make the site safe for contractors to begin repairs once they are allowed to enter.
“We continue to gather information on the extent of the damage and will be providing a timeline for restoration of full service as soon as possible,” said Tim Sunderland, General Manager of the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission.
For the time being, residents in Wheatley and Tilbury will experience low water pressure. The PUC is asking that residents of Wheatley, Tilbury and customers served by the South Water Treatment Plant (which includes the communities of Blenheim, Merlin, Coatsworth, Shrewsbury, Rondeau and Erieau) conserve water until further notice.
During a Boil Water Advisory, water can be consumed after bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute. This advisory measure is in place until CK Public Health receives additional information regarding the stability of the water system. CK Public Health is working closely with the Public Utilities Commission at this time.
For more information contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-784-0370
ericl@chatham-kent.ca