Residents of the Oneida Nation of the Thames are being told to conserve water after levels in the community's water tower reached an "all-time low."
In a statement released Tuesday, the Oneida Nation of the Thames announced that a state of emergency has been declared, retroactive to December 15. The statement says the low levels in the water tower, which is the community's primary source of water, are unlikely to rebound without conservation efforts from residents.
“We have unfortunately been left with no choice but to order all non-essential use of water to cease and to put water conservation measures in place.” said Chief Todd Cornelius.
According to the statement, the Oneida Emergency Control Group met Sunday with representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, Emergency Management Ontario, Public Safety Canada, the City of London, Middlesex County, and the Ministry of Natural Resources to discuss the matter and plan for bringing water to the community from a private water company in Kitchener.
Residents of the Oneida Nation of the Thames have been living under a boil water advisory since September 2019. The advisory affects 546 homes and 22 community buildings.
“Our community is in crisis. Canada is taking a reactive approach and we cannot fix this alone. The daily cost of $20,000 for a short-term solution comes from Canadian taxpayers. Everyone should be angry at this unnecessary situation,” said Chief Cornelius.
The situation is being monitored daily and will continue until water levels are replenished to a safe level.
