Richard Froese
South Peace News
A boil-water advisory for the Hamlet of Joussard was lifted after being in effect for six days after a watermain break was discovered.
The advisory was terminated by Alberta Health Services, Big Lakes County posted on its website Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.
AHS initiated the boil-water advisory Feb. 16 after a watermain break was discovered Feb. 15.
Big Lakes crews responded to the break and were busy repairing the break at the corner of Lakeview Dr. and First Ave. SW, says a news release dated Feb. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
The Joussard truckfill remained in service.
Water collected at the truckfill does not need to be boiled before consuming.
During the boil-water advisory, potable water for filling jugs was available at the Joussard water plant at the north entrance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Big Lakes provided updates on its website throughout the process.
The entire pipe system was empty, so it was expected to take some time for water to be restored to residents’ homes, Big Lakes updated residents on Feb.15 at 7:30 p.m.
Big Lakes crews restored the water system to operational service, stated an update on Feb. 16 at 9 a.m.
Crews began flushing waterlines Feb. 18 in the morning.
As a result of the watermain break, Family Day activities scheduled for Feb. 15 were cancelled since the Joussard Community Hall was out of service.
The ninth annual Kids Can Catch free ice fishing event hosted by the Lesser Slave Watershed Council was scheduled to be located at the hall in the morning and afternoon.
A chili supper hosted by the Joussard Community Association was scheduled for the hall later in the afternoon and evening, but was also cancelled.
When a boil-water advisory is issued, residents and businesses are required to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming; including drinking, brushing teeth, cleaning raw foods, preparing infant formula or juices and making ice.
Water use for bathing or washing clothes does not need to be boiled.
For washing hands, wash with soap and water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing more than 60 per cent alcohol after drying your hands.
Residents may instead choose to purchase bottled water for consumption, for the duration of the advisory.
The advisory remains in place until such time that water is restored to the required standard of water quality.
AHS Environmental Public Health officers continued to monitor the situation, which includes taking samples and tests of the water to ensure it is safe to consume.