The Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (CK PUC) says it's unknown when the Wheatley Water Treatment Plant will be up and running again.
CK PUC said it continues to assess the situation following a fire at the facility Wednesday afternoon.
CK PUC officials said the fire originated in the water plant generator during regular maintenance and testing at the plant and the damage from the fire was significant enough to place the facility out of service.
Structural engineers are on site to better assess the extent of the damage and restoration personnel are trying to make the site safe for the repairs to begin, according to the municipality.
“Once the full extent of the damage is better understood, the PUC will be able to provide timelines for restoration of full service,” said CK PUC General Manager Tim Sunderland.
Chatham-Kent Public Health has issued a Boil Water Advisory. Water can be consumed after bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute.
Affected areas are shown on the maps below.
Residents in Wheatley and Tilbury will experience low water pressure for the time being, the municipality said.
CK PUC is asking that residents of Wheatley, Tilbury, and customers served by the South Water Treatment Plant to conserve water until further notice. Those residents include the communities of Blenheim, Merlin, Coatsworth, Shrewsbury, Rondeau, and Erieau.
This advisory will remain in place until Chatham Kent Public Health receives additional information regarding the stability of the water system. Chatham-Kent's Manager of Corporate Communications Eric Labadie said CK Public Health continues working closely with CK PUC to keep residents safe.
CK Public Health is encouraging residents with questions regarding updates to the Boil Water Advisory to call the Water Advisory Update Line at 519-436-3250. This update line is accessible anytime.
Information will also continue to be shared at www.CKPublicHealth.com/Newsroom.