A number of thirsty residents were left with questions after the water dispensing system at the Water Works building in Outlook was sealed up, with a notice advising that the move came as a result of regulations from the province’s Water Security Agency.
The notice, dated October 23, reads, “Water no longer available from jug fill system as per Water Security Agency regulations. System will not be replaced.”
A coin-operated system at the same building allows users to obtain up to 20 litres of water for a quarter, but some have questioned the practicality of using an industrial-grade system with a larger, pressurized hose to only fill a jug or two for drinking purposes.
Patrick Boyle, a spokesperson for the Water Security Agency, said in an email to this reporter that the jug fill station in Outlook was closed for the following reasons:
1. The jug fill system does not have backflow protection;
2. The rubber hose was unsanitary and had the possibility of being contaminated by animals;
3. During the winter months, ice build-up at the station occurs and becomes a slip hazard; and
4. The town was told if they want to maintain the station, they would have to upgrade it to meet standards by which they are regulated.
The closure of the filling system came just a couple of weeks after the town of Outlook experienced a community-wide drinking water advisory, though Boyle noted that there is no relation between the advisory and the system closure.
