Northern Health has issued a ‘Do Not Consume’ order for the water supply in Granisle after water quality tests conducted in the village revealed concentrations of aluminum in the water supply exceeding what’s allowed by Canadian drinking water guidelines.
The ‘Do Not Consume’ order went into effect on Saturday, December 14th, and replaces the previous water quality advisory that was in place for Granisle.
The Health Authority says babies, young children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and individuals with kidney complications or those on dialysis are at a higher risk of health effects from elevated aluminum levels in the water, and should not consume it under any circumstances.
Testing has revealed a possible malfunction within the town’s water treatment system with the Health Authority noting that the aluminum appears to originate from coagulant leaking from the treatment equipment into the distribution lines.
The facility’s operator has been directed to seek professional advice from the equipment manufacturer to have it resolved, and has also been instructed to flush the water lines in Granisle after repairs have been complete before the ‘Do Not Consume’ order can be lifted.
Water quality testing will continue in the community to determine the true extent of the issue, but so far, no timeline for repairs has been given, and the do not consume order for the Granisle water supply will remain in effect until further notice.
For the time being, while the village office is closed for the holidays, the Granisle Fire Department has been assisting with water deliveries to local residents, with community members arranging pick up and delivery dates via the ‘What’s up Granisle’ community Facebook page.
The full report from Northern Health, including the latest results from water quality testing, is available here.
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