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Municipal Logo with Algoma Public Health

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

The Municipality of Wawa is advising users of an incident that had occurred at the water treatment plant which resulted in elevated chlorine levels throughout the distribution system. The Municipality through collaboration with Algoma Public Health is advising users that due to the elevated chlorine levels, the water may smell or taste different but, at this time, a health hazard does not exist and the water is still safe for drinking and bathing. We are working diligently to decrease chlorine levels to ensure they return to a level in which smell and or taste will no longer be an issue. Please see below for more information on chlorine disinfectant and simple actions you can take to help reduce chlorine levels in your tap water.

What is chlorine?

Chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant added to drinking water to reduce or eliminate disease causing germs such as bacteria and viruses, which can be present in water supplies.

What we are doing to resolve the problem:

  • Monitoring the chlorine levels in the system
  • Flushing water from the distribution system as needed
  • We will notify the community promptly if chlorine levels do reach a level posing a risk to health. This is not expected at this time.

What you can do to remove chlorine from the drinking water:

  • Fill a jug with water in the morning and let it sit in the open air or in the refrigerator. Chlorine will evaporate in the open air. Drink throughout the day.
  • Consider boiling the water and let it cool to aid in chlorine evaporation. Drink throughout the day.
  • Run water through a filter with activated charcoal (e.g., Brita filter)
  • Flush your taps

What you can do while bathing/showering:

  • Reduce the total time showering/bathing to avoid irritation
  • Minimize direct prolonged contact with eyes

The entire community serviced by municipal drinking water including Michipicoten River Village is affected.
As more information evolves, the Municipality will keep everyone informed. For more information please contact our office at 705-856-2244 ext. 251.