Two hundred and twenty procedures have been impacted at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and other affected sites following a boil water advisory in HRM.
Spokesperson for Nova Scotia Health, Keith Corcoran tells us in an email, a number of elective procedures have had to be rescheduled.
“[It combines] surgeries, endoscopies and some ambulatory care matters.”
However, Corcoran adds, what is not affected, is urgent and high-risk categories.
“First and foremost, we thank our patients for their understanding during this time. Equally important, we thank our staff and Nova Scotia Health partners for doing their best efforts to reduce any inconveniences to patients.”
He says, bottled water also remains on site.
Areas affected
Halifax, Beaver Bank, Middle and Lower Sackville, Upper Hammonds Plains, Bedford, Fall River, Timberlea, Spryfield and Herring Cove are all impacted.
The areas in HRM affected by the Jan 21 boil water advisory Photo: Halifax Water
It happened after a planned power outage in the area Monday night, which then affected the system inside the facility, preventing some water to be treated with chlorine.
Spokesperson for Halifax Water, Brittney Smith, tells us what happened this time is different than when they issued an advisory in the summer because that outage started internally.
“This was caused by an external power issue at the plant, which then in turn, caused internal issues.”
Smith adds, this time the generators did kick in, and they are currently investigating what caused the electrical failure.
Backup system
To help prevent advisories in the future, a backup system is currently being installed at the Pockwock plant.
Smith says, this was implemented because of the advisory in July.
That report on that incident has been handed into to the Utility and Review Board.
Boil for 1 min
- drinking
- preparing infant formula
- making ice cubes or juices
- washing fruits or vegetables
- cooking
- brushing teeth; or
- any other activity requiring human consumption.
Bottled water available at schools
The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) is reminding families in the affected areas to send a filled water bottle to school with their child.
HRCE says fountains are currently taped off and signs are posted, but water does remain safe for washing hands.
The school board adds, bottled water is available at all schools impacted.
The utility says they apologize for the inconvenience.
