Tap water file photo by © Can Stock Photo / ElenathewiseTap water file photo by © Can Stock Photo / Elenathewise
London

Oneida under precautionary boil water advisory

Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation is under a boil water advisory that its chief believes should have been issued more than a decade ago.

The precautionary measure was put in place after engineering firm Neegan Burnside Ltd. recently discovered the community's water system does not meet with the minimum federal or provincial standards for clean drinking water set out in 2006.

"When our system was designed and constructed in the late 1990s, the treatment provided was appropriate at the time, Oneida Chief Jessica Hill said in a statement. "However, regulations have changed and are more stringent today so they recommended we issue a precautionary boil water advisory to protect those who consume water from the system until the water treatment meets the minimum treatment standards. We are working diligently on that. This is a top priority for us."

The Indigenous engineering firm was conducting a capital planning study for Oneida when an assessment of the existing water infrastructure revealed the aging system is vulnerable to high-risk pathogens such as E.coli. The microbiological pathogens could potentially pass through the the water treatment process and into distribution.

Hill stated the precautionary boil water advisory should have been issued and the water system upgraded when standards changed 13 years ago.

The community gets its water from the Thames River.

Oneida residents are being advised to bring water from the community drinking water supply to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming it, brushing their teeth with it, washing fruits and vegetables in it, or cooking with it. They are also being urged not to drink from public drinking fountains.

Bottled water has been brought in from outside of the community. It can be picked up at the Oneida Community Centre Monday to Friday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Water delivery is also being offered to seniors and those with mobility issues on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The boil water advisory will remain in place until the current water system can be upgraded.

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