The city of Laval informed certain residents of the Sainte-Dorothée neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon that a preventive notice of non-use of water was in force. It could be a product used by firefighters during an operation.
Posted at 5:53 p.m.
The city was still conducting analyzes late in the afternoon, but the product in question “could have entered the aqueduct network and could have contaminated it,” said Philippe Déry, public affairs director for the city of Laval.
“We consider the event to be a chemical contamination, but it is not a toxic product – it poses risks.” [pour la santé] very moderate. But we prefer to act preventatively. »
The city administration also assured in a press release that the risks to the health of people and animals who consumed the water in the morning were “minimal.” Residents are still asked to call 811 if they experience any unusual symptoms.
At least 2,200 apartments are affected by the notification. “The priority now is to ensure that we evacuate the potentially contaminated water from the affected sector,” Mr Déry said.
“We want to restore the situation as quickly as possible, but we will not take any risks,” he assured.
Water distribution
“The buildings in the radius between Avenue des Bois, Rue Principale and Chemin du Bord-de-l’Eau, including Îles-Laval,” are covered by the notice, which “also concerns the streets included in this radius.”
IMAGE TAKEN FROM LAVAL CITY SITE
The area covered by the preventative disuse indicator
“Citizens in this area should not use tap water for personal use or for their pets,” the statement said.
These measures remain in effect until further notice – city teams have been mobilized to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, the municipal administration must ensure the distribution of mineral water in the Jolibourg community center. “And we ensure the supply of buildings and facilities that are more sensitive,” such as schools, daycare centers and facilities for the elderly, said Déry.