Boil water advisory over barge spill

PICTON -- Prince Edward County continues to grapple with a water crisis after a partially submerged barge spilled contaminants into Picton Bay earlier this week.

Thursday, after discovering a foul odor in the Picton raw water sampling line (an early warning system) the County took the additional step of stopping water production at the Picton water drinking plant.

County officials said during a press conference Thursday they will begin shuttling treated water from other potable water sources starting immediately; as a result, a precautionary boil water advisory for all customers connected to the Picton/Bloomfield drinking water system has been implemented by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.

The water drinking plant was shut down Tuesday afternoon as a precaution after an oily sheen entered the Picton Intake Protection Zone 1, an area some 700 metres from the water intake pipe to the drinking water system. The plant was restarted Wednesday morning to replenish reservoirs, but had to be shut down again Wednesday night and remained shut down Thursday.

County officials said Thursday they will require 130 to 150 truckloads of potable water per day and put out the call for trucks capable of hauling 5,000 litres or more to lend a hand in the process.

They are receiving wide spread support from neighbouring communities and have assurances from the Bay of Quinte Mohawks water treatment plant and the City of Belleville that water will be provided if needed.

They could also access water from the Wellington treatment plant and Quinte West’s Carrying Place facility if necessary.

“Our local haulers have stepped up in a big way to assist us, and we have received a wide spread offer of support from neighbouring municipalities,” said county commissioner Robert McAuley.