UPDATE: Water quality advisory lifted for Killiney Beach water system

(UPDATE: June 22 @ 10:15 am) - The RDCO has lifted a water quality advisory that had been in place for the Killiney Beach water system for nearly two weeks.

It was issued for 290 properties on June 9 as a precaution following the addition of equipment to the Winchester Control Room.

"Since then system has been completely flushed and testing results indicate the system is within acceptable and safe Canadian guidelines for drinking water quality," says a statement from the RDCO.

(UPDATE: June 9 @ 5:30 pm) - Today's work on the Winchester Road Control Room has been completed, which means 160 properties in the Killiney Beach water system have running water again.

Unfortunately, it also means a temporary water quality advisory is now in place for all 290 properties service by the water system.

"RDCO Engineering Services crews will now flush the system to remove any impurities that may have entered the system during today’s work," says a release from the RDCO.

"As a precaution it’s recommended that all customers, especially those with weakened immune systems, children and the elderly, should boil all water intended for drinking, washing fruit and vegetables, making beverages, ice or brushing teeth for at least one minute."

The water quality advisory will remain in place until further notice and testing confirms water is within acceptable Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.

(Original story: June 5 @ 3:30 pm) - Killiney Beach water system customers will be without water service for most of the day on Tuesday, June 9.

The planned outage will last from 8:30 am until 4 pm as RDCO crews make improvements to the Winchester Control Room as a part of the infrastructure improvement program.

Only customers above Westside Road will be affected by the water service interruption.

Anyone set to be impacted by the shutoff is encouraged to:

• Shut off hot and cold faucets and any equipment that requires water;
• Store sufficient drinking water for the anticipated period of interruption;
• Isolate the supply to hot water tanks;
  • If not isolated, avoid running hot water as impurities could be drawn into the hot water tank and may cause problems with its operation;
• Fill a bathtub or other large container with water to use for toilet flushing and only flush when absolutely necessary; and
• Use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for hand washing.

Once work is complete, RDCO staff will flush the distribution system to remove any impurities that may have entered during construction.

Customers are recommended to run a cold water tap until the water runs clear.

After water service is restored, a precautionary water quality advisory will be in place and all customers are encouraged to boil water that will be used for consumption.