HAMILTON, ON – A drinking water advisory has been issued by the City of Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health for residences on Woodworth Drive East in Ancaster, affecting 21 residences.
The watermain servicing these residences was affected by construction activities being performed by a Hamilton Water contractor. While making repairs to a private sewer lateral, the residential water service line was accidentally damaged by excavating machinery. This caused a temporary loss of pressure in the watermain which had the potential to compromise the integrity of the water supply to the affected residences. The watermain was shut down immediately and isolated out of an abundance of caution. Hamilton Water is confident that the swift actions taken by staff has ensured the safety of all residents.
Residents were notified of the event on the evening of May 21, 2024, when Hamilton Water staff hand-delivered the drinking water advisory to each affected residence. In addition, Hamilton Water Staff supplied potable drinking water for affected residences. Water was restored for non-potable use around 11 pm the same evening. The City of Hamilton continues to follow Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Hamilton Public Health Services guidelines closely, which includes proper disinfection and water sampling.
Hamilton Water staff are working quickly and diligently to finalize a restoration plan that will allow the advisory to be lifted. Affected residences should not consume tap water until the advisory is lifted. However, tap water may be used safely for other household needs such as showering, flushing toilets, laundry and hand washing. Affected residents will be updated with a hand-delivered letter as soon as a timeline for restoration has been established.
“This is an important measure to ensure the safety of residents as Hamilton Water works quickly and diligently to restore drinking water supply for these 21 residences”, said Nick Winters, Director, Hamilton Water. “We are asking that residents use the potable water provided by Hamilton Water for drinking or for activities when water could be swallowed until we and our partners are satisfied that the advisory can be lifted. Using bottled water is also an alternative for drinking water. We recognize the concern and inconvenience residents are experiencing and appreciate their patience, as we work to get safe drinking water restored to their neighbourood.”
For more information or questions, please contact 905-546-2489.