On Sunday, June 29, the Town of Pouch Cove experienced two separate, yet connected, incidents at the Pump House and the Water Treatment Plant.
An electrical issue at the Water Treatment Plant caused the system to go offline. As soon as we became aware of the issue, our Public Works staff by-passed the water treatment plant and a boil water order was issued. Legally, when the plant goes on bypass we must issue a boil order because the water is chlorinated but not filtered.
Subsequently on Sunday June 29, the Pump House main pump failed causing residents to lose water pressure. This issue has been temporarily resolved and the Town is working on a permanent solution. However, in the interim, we have implemented a Water Conservation Order. We ask that all residents please conserve water while we are working towards replacing the pumps. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated and will allow the Town to keep water flowing to all residents.
Additionally, like many towns right now our water supply, Three Island Pond, is low. Anecdotally, we are being told that the water levels are the lowest level in many years.
As of today July 3, the Town has corrected the electrical issue but a secondary problem has arisen with the water treatment plant. Essentially, a pump in the plant has failed and we are working on a repair or replacement of the equipment. As a result, the plant must remain in bypass mode and the boil order must remain in effect.
The Town has been working with Environmental Health Officers, technicians, specialists and suppliers around the clock since Sunday. We are trying to rectify the problems in an efficient and safe manner however until we get replacement parts or new equipment we are unable to remove the boil order or the water conservation order.
We appreciate the frustration that these issues have caused. We will be providing updates as we progress through the process.
Until further notice the WATER CONSERVATION ORDER and BOIL WATER ORDER remain in effect.