Dear Resident,

The Municipality, in coordination and cooperation with Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit (LGLHU), are working on gathering information and looking into possible sources of the poor water quality results for some of Spencerville’s private residential wells.

The Township performed camera work of the sewer mains on Charles and David Street area. The video revealed defects involving two individual sewer lateral connection gaskets on Charles Street. The Township submitted for locates in order to undertake repairs. We are not sure if this is contributing to the poor water quality but wanted to eliminate them as a possible source.

On Monday, August 24th, MECP staff attended the identified area of concern to further investigate and obtain water samples from wells of area residents that had reported poor water quality lab results.

Township staff excavated and replaced both lateral connections identified with gasket defects on August 25th. Township Staff did not detect any odours or soil discolouration after the main connections were exposed. The defective components were replaced and the overburden material excavated was removed from the site and replaced with fresh gravel and fill as a precaution.

A conference call with the MECP and LGLHU was arranged by the Township to share information and discuss observations on August 27th. The Township will be undertaking additional Main and sewer lateral video work as soon as arrangements can be made. Additionally, the Township will be undertaking a broader well water sampling program in September to better understand ground water quality in Spencerville. Any Spencerville village resident willing to assist with the sample study is urged to contact the Township office to register.

On a temporary basis, we have made arrangements for residents in the Village of Spencerville who have either not tested their wells in the last 60 days or received poor water results from the public health lab to obtain bottled water, at no charge, from either the Spencerville Fire station (6055 County Rd 44) from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday or the Village Pantry during business hours. Alternatively, you can purchase bottled water and submit your receipt to the Township office for reimbursement.

We would appreciate if you would share your water test results (good or bad) with the Township. This can be done by bringing a copy to the township office or emailing the result to the Director of Operations and mail@twpec.ca.

We will provide an update early next week once we have more information and details. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together in locating the cause of the poor water quality.

Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal