Resident affected by the boil water advisory in Wheatley and Tilbury will now be able to pick up free bottled water to make life a bit easier.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said bottled water can be picked up at the Wheatley arena and Tilbury arena parking lots starting Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. every day until the boil water advisory ends.
"We are recommending one or two cases per family per day, but understand that some circumstances may require more. We encourage those with vehicles to help neighbours and friends without vehicles to acquire their water," said the municipality in a news release on Wednesday afternoon.
Municipal officials said this will ensure easier access to drinking water for those affected by the two week old boil water advisory.
Vulnerable populations will continue to get bottled water through the Wheatley Resource Centre (108 Talbot Road E.) and the Tilbury Food Bank (26 Queen St. N.).
Flyers will also be put up at local libraries and municipal centres in Wheatley and Tilbury directing residents to the locations in order to increase community knowledge of this initiative.
Links to the Let’s Talk page are also available for more information.
"We would like to remind everyone that during a boil water advisory, as per CK Public Health guidelines, water is safe to be consumed after bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute. This advisory measure is in place until CK Public Health receives additional information regarding the stability of the water system," municipal officials noted.
Up-to-date information about the boil water advisory and Wheatley Water Treatment Plant can be found at www.chatham-kent.ca/waterstatus. The Boil Water Advisory Update Line can be reached by calling 519-436-3250.
Chatham-Kent Council approved a motion from Ward 1 Councilor Lauren Anderson Monday night to provide bottled water to those residents affected by the boil water advisory and the cost be referred to the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (CKPUC) for consideration.
The municipality estimates 8,000 people are under the boil water advisory, which was put in place because of low water pressure.