Thursday PUC water conversion update

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE PUC

************************* Conversion to free chlorine disinfection – status update

This is an update from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to all consumers of municipal drinking water within the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Rankin Reserve on the status of conversion to free chlorine disinfection in the distribution system.

Conversion activities are now well in progress.

Conversion actually started at 4 a.m. this morning and at this time much of the west end of the city is already switched over to free chlorine.

Changeover of the water in the distribution system is expected to gradually occur from west to east in the area below the hill (i.e. pressure zone 1) through the evening tonight and into the morning tomorrow.

The area above the hill (i.e. pressure zone 2) will follow over the weekend.

Some consumers may notice temporary taste or odour concerns at various times throughout this conversion process.

The city’s drinking water will remain safe to consume throughout this time period.

Consumers who find the temporary taste or odour disagreeable should flush their house plumbing for approximately 5-10 minutes as required through the day.

Should the problem persist for more than one day, please call PUC at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 16:30 or 705-759-6555 at all other times.

PUC is working closely with Algoma Public Health and the local Ministry of Environment to plan and carry out this work.

Regular ongoing monitoring of drinking water quality will continue throughout the process.

Status updates will be issued each day to the media during the conversion activities and are posted on the PUC website (www.ssmpuc.com).

See the PUC website for answers to “frequently asked questions” (FAQs).

If any problems or concerns regarding water safety are identified, the public will be notified.

For more information contact the following:

- For health related questions call Algoma Public Health at 705-759-5286

- For technical or water supply related questions call PUC Services at 705-759-6522

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