The Newfoundland and Labrador town of Conception Bay South had a stressful start to September when local officials feared they would run out of water before repairs could be made to a watermain break that led to a state of emergency.
Just weeks out from a municipal election, the town’s businesses were ordered to close and a mandatory water conservation order was issued on September 2 following the water supply loss from the St. John’s Regional Water Authority.
“For the safety of the entire Town, do not use water unless it is an emergency, even if water is coming through your taps,” stated a Conception Bay South municipal advisory. “It appears the Town’s water supply will be completely depleted in short order meaning there will be no water available for homes or businesses.”
The emergency order also delayed the first day of school for students in Conception Bay South.
Within just three hours of issuing the state of emergency, Conception Bay South officials announced that the City of St. John’s Regional Water Services had identified the watermain break location on the transmission line that provides water to the town.
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“Their repair plans are currently underway,” officials said in a social media update on the situation.
As a St. John’s crew worked overnight to repair the watermain, Conception Bay South officials prioritized the need for adequate water pressure and volume for fire suppression. Water tanks on Fowlers Road began to slowly refill and some critical businesses, such as pharmacies and gas stations, were granted an exemption to reopen.
Just over 24 hours from the state of emergency announcement, Conception Bay South officials fully lifted the water ban.
The town had experienced a regional state of emergency less than one month earlier due to wildfires.
