Monday, December 29, 2003 - There has been a sewage overflow from the Municipality's sewage system located at the bridge in Fall River, into Fletcher's Run which flows into Fletcher's Lake.
It appears that the risk of contamination is low, however, the Medical Officer of Health has asked us to remind residents that surface water should never be used for drinking or other domestic purposes without effective treatment. Residents or others who use surface water for domestic purposes in this area should take into account the possibility that contamination may be elevated for a short period of time. The Medical Officer of Health has therefore recommended that, for the next 48 hour period, as a precautionary measure, water used for domestic purposes should be boiled before use.
Any resident who has questions related to public health issues should contact the Medical Officer of Health at 481-5800. Questions with respect to water treatment should be directed to the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment at 424-7773. Questions with respect to the overflow itself should be directed to the Halifax Regional Municipality at 490-6950.
The overflow was discovered earlier today, and staff acted immediately to control the overflow.
Halifax Regional Municipality is carrying out water quality sampling to determine the extent of the overflow and impact, if any. The Nova Scotia Department of Environment and the Medical Officer of Health have been made aware of the situation, and HRM will continue to communicate with those officials as required.
Theresa Brien
Acting Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
