Press Release
Walkerton
Communications
2212 Spadina Avenue, Walkerton, ON CANADA N0G 2V1 Tel: 519.708.5605 Fax: 519.299.6388
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17,
2000
WALKERTON’S
WATER CONTAMINATED WITH E. COLI BACTERIA
Walkerton
PUC urges health authorities to immediately issue a boil-water advisory
WALKERTON,
ONTARIO, CANADA
– The Walkerton Public Utilities Commission (PUC) received today laboratory
results, taken from samples of Walkerton’s water supply on May 12, 2000, that
confirm the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), and
consequently urges the Bruce Owen Grey Sound Health unit, Walkerton’s health
authority, to immediately issue a boil-water advisory for the entire
municipality of Brockton. While no deaths or illnesses have yet been reported,
health authorities estimate that up to 400 people could suffer from adverse
health symptoms associated with drinking water that is contaminated with E. coli.
The
PUC, the organization responsible for managing and operating the municipality of
Brockton’s water and electric systems, is chlorinating the water supply to
flush out all traces of E. coli, and recommends that, until further notice, all
residents and visitors in the municipality of Brockton drink bottled water only
and refrain from using tap water unless it is boiled.
E.
coli is a bacterium found in animal waste that poses serious harm to human
health when ingested and can be fatal if not treated early. Possible symptoms
that may result from ingesting water contaminated with E. coli include vomiting,
diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should
contact the Walkerton Hospital at 519.234.5629 or consult with a doctor
immediately.
The
source of the contamination is believed to be from manure that was spread on the
fields of a cattle farm located near Walkerton’s water supply. Heavy rainfall
that occurred in the Walkerton area between May 8, 2002 and May 12, 2002,
enabled E. coli bacteria from the farm to enter Well Five of Walkerton’s water
supply.
The
PUC distributes water to approximately 4,800 people within the municipality of
Brockton, which is located 145 kilometres west of Toronto and includes the town
of Walkerton and the townships of Brant and Greenock. Since thousands of people
are at risk of E. coli contamination, the PUC urges the Walkerton Hospital to
prepare its facilities to treat victims and to seek outside help if necessary.
The PUC is collaborating with the town of Walkerton to establish a crisis
hotline to respond to incoming inquiries and to disseminate information to the
public on what precautions to take.
Stan Koebel, the General Manager of the Walkerton PUC, is working around the clock with PUC staff to overcome the water crisis. “We are doing our best to flush out all traces of E. coli from the water and will keep you informed of our progress,” stated Koebel. He added, “In the meantime, I urge you to drink bottled water only and to report any adverse health symptoms to a doctor.” The PUC expects a boil-water advisory to be in place this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest.
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