OID water users
As many of you already know, chlorine has been introduced into the distribution system before the start of the planned flush on Monday, and without warning to the consumers.
As part of our regular flush procedures, one reservoir is filled with chlorinated water and held that way until the flush begins on Monday. The other reservoir is used to supply fresh unchlorinated water to the distribution system. During this time, it is necessary to use a well to supplement the fresh water supply to prevent running out of water.
Very late Friday night, the well was automatically instructed to pump fresh water. This did not happen. We tried many times to start the pump but each time it ran for only a few minutes then shut down in an alarm condition.
Recognizing that that we would have completely run out of water well before morning, I made the decision to release the reservoir that was full of chlorinated water into the distribution system.
As it was now very early in the morning, it was not possible to provide any advance notice to our customers before the chlorinated water would have spread throughout the distribution system.
We apologize for this unfortunate situation and appreciate your understanding. We always try to give as much notice as possible for any changes in the regular operation of our system. Unfortunately, giving notice was not possible.
Although unpleasant, the amount of chlorine in the water is completely safe to consume.
Bill Alexander
Chief Water System Operator
Ootischenia Improvement District
