KAWARTHA LAKES-Beginning at approximately 6am on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Fenelon Falls Wastewater System – Colborne St. and Francis St. East Sewage Pumping Stations are currently bypassing, releasing untreated sewage into the Fenelon River.
Beginning at approximately 5am on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Lindsay Wastewater System – Rivera Park Sewage Pumping Station is currently bypassing, releasing untreated sewage into the Scugog River.
Both are currently receiving higher than normal sewage flows due to extreme wet weather, and the amount of wastewater entering the sewer system has exceeded the capacity of the system. The impact of the spill on water quality will be minimal given dilution due to significant rainfall, however residents drawing water downstream from the Rivera Park Sewage Pumping Station and Colborne St. and Francis St. E Sewage Pumping Stations should take precautions.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District (HKPR) Health Unit advises residents who draw their water from the Fenelon River to use a proper filtration and disinfection system before consuming the water. Surface water can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. Although extra precaution should be taken during the bypass event, it is always important to ensure that surface water is properly treated before drinking or using to be sure it is safe.
Officials say homes and businesses connected to municipal water from the Fenelon Falls Drinking Water System are not affected and their water continues to be safe to drink.
Residents will be advised when the bypass event has ended
