Echo Bay water intake shut off due to St. Marys River oil spill

A notice has been issued to residents in the Echo Bay area, advising them that due to yesterday's oil spill in the St. Marys River, river intake to the water plant has been shut off in order to prevent contamination.

“Our water tower has a supply of water for a number of days to service Echo Bay, but we ask that everyone conserve water to the best of your ability,” the notice from the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional reads.

Full text of the public advisory follows:

The Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional is issuing an  Advisory in regard to water use within the Village of Echo Bay on municipal services.

Due to the oil spill in the St. Marys River, our intake pipe for the Water Plant has been turned off in order to avoid potential contamination.

Our Water Tower has a supply of water for a number of days to service Echo Bay, but we ask that everyone conserve water to the best of your ability.

Ontario Clean Water Agency has a contingency plan to truck water to our plant to ensure we have a water supply until Algoma Public Health can confirm the safety of the water.  

This advisory will remain in effect until samples confirm the safety of the water and Algoma Public Health lifts their advisory.

Please follow our website, the media and Algoma Public Health’s website for any changes or additions to this advisory as it continues to be monitored.