KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) has now issued a Drinking Water Advisory (DWA) for those drawing drinking water directly from Sturgeon Lake and part of Pitts Cove Road and Hazel Street to McLernon Street near Dunsford. Officials say approximately 30 homes are affected.
Kawartha 411 News first reported the spill on Saturday. Read more here: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2023/04/01/fuel-spill-cleanup-underway-on-sturgeon-lake/?fbclid=IwAR1QKXMp_XNie9X3JOgYaOLiR0xNu0nrGQiatojN7OMqSmkqjKnpGEqaTSg
On Thursday, March 30 around 10:30 p.m. fuel odours from a culvert were reported to the local Fire Department where a boom was then placed in the lake near the culvert. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks was notified, and an inspector attended the spill the following day.
A source could not be determined according to the health unit and officials now say with further melting of the ice, it appears the spill area may be larger than determined on Friday but contained. The Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit are monitoring the water quality incident.
The HKPR District Health Unit is urging people who draw water directly from this affected section of Sturgeon Lake to use bottled water for drinking purposes until further notice. Because of the nature of the fuel spill, boiling water is not effective. Water should not be used for cooking, making juice and infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables, dishwashing or brushing teeth.
The DWA will remain in effect until the HKPR District Health Unit lifts it.
The City of Kawartha of Kawartha Lakes Public Works has retained an environmental consultant and a cleanup contractor.
For information related to the spill please contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks at 705-755-4300. For any public health concerns please contact the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006.
