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Timetable for lifting boil water advisory released

Last Updated May 26, 2020 at 6:18 pm MDT

PHOTO. The Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, pictured Summer 2019. MYMCMURRAY/Melanie Walsh

The RMWB released a timetable for the lifting of the boil water advisory.

The first phase covers the lifting of the advisory for the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.

Alberta Health Services lifted it on May 25.

Deputy CAO Matthew Hough said disinfection and flushing along the 375-kilometre water system are in progress.

“We’re making good progress but this a complex operation with a lot of moving parts. I know the first thing that people want to know is when the Boil Water Advisory will be lifted. We are working diligently to make this happen as soon as possible.”

Hough previously announced on May 21 that lifting the advisory could take a matter of weeks.

READ MORE: Boil water advisory may be lifted within weeks

The second phase estimated the return of potable water within two to three weeks for Abasand, the Lower Townsite including Grayling Terrace and Waterways, Parsons Creek and Thickwood.

Finally, the third phase estimated lifting the advisory within three to five weeks in Beacon Hill, Gregoire, Prairie Creek, Saprae Creek, Timberlea including Eagle Ridge and Stone Creek, and Taiga Nova Park.

During the cleaning process, Hough said crews found one of the reservoirs had structural damage.

Once they complete repairs, he said they will begin disinfecting and flushing the Timberlea reservoir distribution system.

Crews continue flushing hydrants in neighbourhoods using dechlorination pucks.

“High chlorine levels will increase the odor of chlorine in the water; the level of chlorine is below the limit established by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Chlorine levels will subside as flushing concludes.”

Hough said water is safe for bathing and non-consumptive use without boiling.

Residents may consume the water once boiled for at least one minute.

To reduce the smell of chlorine, they may boil water longer than a minute and leave overnight without a lid so the chlorine can evaporate.

Scheduled times for lifting the advisory are subject to change.