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A Halifax Water tower is pictured in this undated file photo. (Source: Halifax Water)

Electrical issue at Pockwock plant causes boil water advisory

By Caitlin Snow Jan 21, 2025 | 6:50 PM

An electrical issue inside the J.D. Kline Pockwock water treatment plant has 200,000 on a boil water advisory.

Areas include Halifax, Beaver Bank, Middle and Lower Sackville, Upper Hammonds Plains, Bedford, Fall River, Timberlea, Spryfield and Herring Cove.

The areas in HRM affected by the Jan 21 boil water advisory Photo: Halifax Water

It happened after a planned power outage in the area Monday night, which then affected the system inside the facility, preventing some water to be treated with chlorine.

Spokesperson for Halifax Water, Brittney Smith, tells us what happened this time is different than when they issued an advisory in the summer because that outage started internally.

“This was caused by an external power issue at the plant, which then in turn, caused internal issues.”

Smith adds, this time the generators did kick in, and they are currently investigating what caused the electrical failure.

Backup system

A backup system is being worked on at the Pockwock plant for when power is interrupted.

Smith says, this was implemented because of the advisory in July.

That report has been handed into to the Utility and Review Board.

Boil for 1 min

Boil your water for at least 1 minute before using it for:

  • drinking
  • preparing infant formula
  • making ice cubes or juices
  • washing fruits or vegetables
  • cooking
  • brushing teeth; or
  • any other activity requiring human consumption.

Bottled water available at schools

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) is reminding families in the affected areas to send a filled water bottle to school with their child.

HRCE says fountains are currently taped off and signs are posted, but water does remain safe for washing hands.

The school board adds, bottled water is available at all schools impacted.

The utility says they apologize for the inconvenience.

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