Whitewater Region says there is still work to be done to clear up the ongoing tint in Cobden’s water supply, despite some encouraging results.
In an update released on Wednesday, August 26, the township noted that a recently taken sample taken at Cobden’s Water Treatment Plant recorded a manganese concentration of 0.043 mg/L, which is below both Health Canada’s drinking water guideline of 0.12 mg/L and Ontario’s aesthetic objective of 0.05 mg/L.
Officials have linked manganese, a naturally occurring mineral found in the local drinking water supply at Muskrat Lake, to the yellow and brown tint that residents in the village have noticed in their tap water.
A recent combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and changing temperatures has caused the amount of manganese leaching into the water to fluctuate throughout August, making it difficult for Ontario Clean Water Agency staff at the plant to properly treat the water.
OCWA operators continue to adjust the treatment process and are conducting targeted flushing of the distribution system where residents are experiencing higher levels of tinted or discoloured water. An inspection team also noted no signs of damage or other issues at the plant’s raw water intake pipe.
The township, OCWA, and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit continue to monitor the situation, and the RCDHU has advised that infants 12 months of age and younger should not consume water from Cobden’s drinking water system until further notice.
Township staff say they will provide another update on the situation on Friday, August 28.
(written by Kasey Egan)
