Latest PUC update on drinking water changes

NEWS RELEASE

PUC SERVICES

************************* Notice to PUC water customers

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 will be moving ahead over the next six to seven days.

We are currently staging the reservoirs so as to begin the actual changeover by Thursday morning.

Flushing of the distribution pipes will start in the west end of the city and move easterly and then northerly through this time period.

Some consumers may notice temporary taste or odour concerns sometime Thursday evening at the earliest.

The city’s drinking water will remain safe to consume throughout the conversion process.

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 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.

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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