LIVERPOOL, NS – In a welcome development for residents and businesses served by the Region of Queens Municipality’s Water Utility, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change has officially approved the removal of the long-standing Boil Water Advisory. After weeks of careful monitoring and efforts to address water quality concerns, customers can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The advisory, which had been in effect since August 9, 2023, had necessitated boiling water for at least one minute before use for human consumption. The South Queens Water Treatment Facility had faced multiple challenges, including disruptions caused by an electrical storm and issues with maintaining adequate disinfection residuals in the distribution system.
Recent Progress Leads to Advisory Removal
The latest update on October 5, 2023, confirmed that the Region of Queens Municipality’s Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) had successfully resolved the water quality production issues. Subsequent assessments indicated that the Water Utility now meets all regulatory requirements, leading to the removal of the Boil Water Advisory.
While the use of a consulting firm to fulfill the DRC role was a temporary solution due to a lack of qualified personnel on municipal staff, ongoing training and recruitment efforts are being pursued to ensure a more robust and permanent solution for the future.
Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to return to normal water usage practices without the need for boiling water. Additionally, the public potable water source at Cowie Well, located at 733 Main St., Liverpool, is available for residents to fill their containers free of charge.
Reassurance Amidst Challenges
Throughout the advisory, the Region of Queens Water Utility consistently prioritized public safety and engaged in extensive collaboration with health officials, engineers, and specialists in the drinking water field. While the risk of waterborne contaminants was deemed low, the advisory remained in place until laboratory results confirmed that it was no longer necessary.
Council and staff also took proactive steps to investigate the potential for temporary financial relief for affected customers, acknowledging the challenges they faced during this period.
