May2013_ES&E_5_2010 13-05-29 9:44 PM Page 68
Montreal faces its largest boil water advisory
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68 | May 2013
Over one million Montrealers were affected by a 36 hour boil-water advisory, issued by the city last month after an incident at its Atwater water filtration plant. The boil-water advisory applied to most of Montreal Island and is believed to be the largest one in recent history. Residents were advised to boil their water for at least a minute, or to use bottled water. They were also asked to avoid brushing their teeth with tap water. However, tap water could still be used to wash dishes, take a shower or wash clothes. The 95 year old Atwater plant has been undergoing extensive renovations. Reports on the incident stated that water levels were periodically lowered in the plant’s main treated water reservoir during the renovations. On this occasion, the water level went far lower that it was supposed to and the reservoir was almost emptied. This stirred up sediments deposited on the bottom of the reservoir, which were then pumped into the distribution system. Sometime after this happened, a number of residents reported brownish water coming from their taps. Though the water in question was filtered and disinfected with chlorine, it was feared the sediment could contain bacteria. Hence, the advisory was issued to protect public health.
While visiting the Abitibi Témiscamingue region, Québec Premier Pauline Marois announced the creation of the d’Opémican national park. D’Opémican will be the second park created since the current government took office. Marois said it demonstrates the government's will to develop every region of Québec and support local economic and social development. 40,000 visitors are expected annually, generating approximately $7.5 million in economic spinoffs. This translates into some 30 regular or seasonal jobs in the region and will be a significant shot in the arm for the tourism industry and the regional economy as a whole. The creation of the national park will make it possible to protect and develop an area about 250 km2 in size, bordered on the West by Lake Témiscamingue and on Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine