Approximately 15,000 Georgetown residents will soon begin receiving their water from Lake Ontario.
According to Halton Region, it's anticipated that the transfer will be completed the week of Nov. 4.
Halton recently finished construction on the infrastructure that will allow for a transfer from a groundwater source to treated lake-based water from Lake Ontario. Residents south of Silver Creek and north of 10 Sideroad between Eighth and Tenth Line will be converted to the lake-sourced water.
The change was recommended in the 2011 Sustainable Halton Water and Wastewater Master Plan. Construction of new watermains and improvements to pumping stations began in 2021.
The Region said the switch will ensure reliable access to safe, high-quality drinking water. The lake-based water will be treated at Halton Region’s water purification plants and tested at several locations to ensure it meets or exceeds drinking water standards.
The change will also take pressure off groundwater systems and support the planned growth in Georgetown.
The Region does not expect any interruption in water service when the switch is made, but said it will give residents notice if it becomes necessary.
During the implementation stage, the Region said some residents may notice cloudiness or discoloration of the water for a short period, but it will still be safe to drink. To avoid any temporary cloudy water, the municipality suggests running your water for five minutes prior to use.
If it continues after five minutes, contact Halton Region at [email protected] or call 311.
Once the water transfer is complete, the Region will continue to monitor the water quality and pressure in the system.
The lake water is expected to be softer (less mineral content) than the current groundwater. Historically, the Region said the hardness for Georgetown groundwater is approximately 340mg/L while lake-based water is 125mg/L.
To learn more about this project, visit the Georgetown Water Transfer Project webpage on halton.ca.
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