A precautionary boil water advisory (BWA) issued Thursday for users connected to the Horseshoe well supply and distribution system was lifted late Sunday afternoon, said water system operator Clearford Waterworks.
“The BWA was lifted following the receipt of analytical testing reports for two consecutive samples of water from the system, both of which showed no evidence of microbiological contamination, following provincial regulations,” said John Levie, Clearford’s vice-president of engineering.
“A total of two samples were collected from the system, and the time between samples was just over 24 hours. Both samples were tested and confirmed to have no contamination,” he said.
“The clear results received yesterday (Saturday) and late this (Sunday) afternoon are consistent with what I described as the most likely scenario…an error in sampling or analyses with the initial sample.”
Levie said this process followed the requirements set out in provincial regulations and involved significant consultation with both the medical officer of health, the public health unit and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Clearford’s operators and compliance staff have been in constant communication with the medical officer of health and the public health unit throughout the weekend, Levie said.
“These consultations provided clear direction on the determination of the affected areas and the subsequent lifting of the BWA,” said Levie. “We have also kept the municipality and resort advised throughout the process.”
The boil water advisory rescind notification, dated Sunday, Oct. 10, says the recent drinking water samples supplying Horseshoe Resort well supply indicate the water meets Ontario drinking standards. It may now be used for drinking and all other uses.
The BWA was issued following completion of repairs to an isolated section of watermain, Levie said, which resulted in a localized loss-of-pressure in a portion of the distribution piping serving areas of the resort complex.
The repaired section of watermain was flushed with clean water and the concentration of chlorine in the water was tested in accordance with the requirements set out in the regulations and procedures issued by the ministry, said Levie.
The source of this drinking water is a secure groundwater supply or well, Levie said, and regular testing of the well water has never shown any indication of contamination.
He said the well water is treated in accordance with the requirements under the procedure for disinfection of drinking water in Ontario and sampled to ensure compliance with the Ontario drinking water quality standards.
