Aylmer, Hull water use Alert!
Stiff fines and water use restrictions in place as Hull Water Treatment Plant gets massive upgrade
Residents could face stiff fines of up to $200 plus administrative fees for improper use of water, the City of Gatineau informs us as the Hull Water Treatment Plant undergoes what it terms “open heart surgery to modernize it”. So an advisory is being sent out regarding water restrictions.
“The water treatment plant will not be shut down while the work is underway, involving a sizeable logistical challenge requiring that every step be perfectly coordinated,” says the City.
“We are asking all residents in the Aylmer and Hull sectors for their cooperation. From September 1 to December 31, 2017, all mechanical watering will be banned in those sectors in order to assure a steady and constant supply of drinking water,” it states.
“Mechanical watering is any form of watering other than manual that involves a hose. In other words, in order to be considered manual watering, the hose must at all times be held by an individual.”
“Although from May 1 to September 30, mechanical watering is subject to the bylaw on watering, this directive takes precedence.”
In addition, residents are asked to reduce their consumption of tap water during peak hours (5 – 8 am and 5 to 8 pm, Monday to Friday). Residents are also asked to run their washing machines and dishwashers at other times of the day or evening.
“This fall, inspectors will be patrolling the streets of Aylmer and Hull day and night to ensure compliance with this directive. Anyone who fails to comply with this directive is liable to be fined $200 plus administrative fees,” warns the City.
Reminder – Bylaw on the use of drinking water
Under the by-law on the use of drinking water at, all times throughout the year it is prohibited to:
• Hose down a driveway, public or private road, mound of snow, or a neighbouring property;
• Hose down a car, a recreational vehicle, a building or structure with a hose that does not have an automatic shut-off system;
• Use a hose that does not come from the building for which it is intended;
• Use more than one hose at a time, unless to fill a pool or
• Waste water because of a defective tap or valve.
Modernizing the Hull Water Treatment Plant
The work of modernizing the Hull Water Treatment Plant has been underway since the spring and is being spread over two-and-a-half years with an investment of $68 Million.
It will expand capacity and ensure the long-term operability of the facility while upgrading the filtration, decantation and pumping systems to redundancy standards.
The plant’s filtration capacity will be increased from 73,000 m3/d (cubic metres per day) to 113,000 m3/d, use the latest water treatment technology and add a second disinfection barrier and improve water quality.
While the work goes on, the plant will continue to run and produce quality drinking water, maintain a minimum supply of water to meet requirements under the fire safety cover plan and maintain sufficient water in the reservoirs for human consumption.
