Water odour and colour advisory issued Chatham-Kent communities

On Monday, September 10, 2012, The Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission advised the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit of a strong odour in the raw water from Lake Erie which may cause colour and odour issues in the drinking water for the following communities: Chatham, Dresden, Thamesville, Paincourt, Grande Pointe, Mitchell’s Bay, Blenheim, Merlin, Erie Beach, Erieau and their surrounding areas.

The communities are serviced through a common intake in Lake Erie with the water treated at the Chatham and South Chatham-Kent Water Treatment Plants. There have been no major changes in turbidity, pH, or temperature of the raw water, all remaining within normal ranges for this time of year.

Flushing of water at the consumer end will not change the colour or rid the water of odour. This will resolve itself naturally as the lake bottom adjusts to the changing season. Dr. David Colby, Medical Officer of Health has indicated that there is no identified health risk associated with the water at this time. The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will continue to work with the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission until the issue is resolved. If at any time, the safety of the water for consumption becomes compromised the public will be notified immediately.

This advisory is for information purposes only; no action is required by the consumer at this time.