Potable water a luxury for many after ice storm and flooding in central Ontario

Aerial footage of flooding after March 31 ice storm. Fri., April 4, 2025. Courtesy: Connor Earl Productions.

‘Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink.’

The famous line from Sam Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a sentiment many people in central Ontario share today.

Flooding after an epic ice and rain storm Saturday, has left many residents with flooded properties and basements, but nothing pouring from their taps.

A quick round up of some of the worst hit areas – and many still suffering without power – reminds residents to be mindful of the importance of safe, potable water.

ORILLIA

Orillia might have been the hardest hit, when a lightning bolt kick started a fire in its Wastewater Treatment Centre.

Due to the damage sustained, the wastewater system continues to bypass partially treated sewage into Lake Simcoe, which can impact private drinking water that is drawn directly from the lake.

A public notice states that affected residents have been notified directly.

“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated city staff, emergency services, and partners from the Town of Midland and the District of Muskoka who have stepped up to support our operations during this emergency,” said Mayor Don McIsaac.

“This is an extraordinary time for our community and I want to thank residents for their continued patience and understanding as we work to restore full service as quickly as possible,” he said.

The Orillia press statement indicates engineers have completed their initial damage assessment and work is underway to restore full function as quickly and safely as possible.

The municipal drinking water system remains safe and is not impacted by this incident.

Orillia staff are asking residents to reduce water use to help relieve pressure on the strained wastewater system. Residents can help by:

• Postponing laundry and dishwasher use
• Limiting shower length and flush only when necessary
• Avoid draining large amounts of water at once

The new release also states “Sewer backups can pose serious health risks due to potential contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. If you are experiencing a sewer backup:

• Avoid contact with any sewage water. Do not attempt to clean it without proper protection.
• Turn off electricity in affected areas if safe to do so.
• Keep children and pets away from the contaminated area.
• Ventilate the area by opening windows, if possible.
• Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, masks) if you must enter the area.
• Do not use toilets, sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines until the issue is resolved.

SEVERN TOWNSHIP

A boil water advisory has been issued for Westshore in Severn Township.

Due to a generator failure at the Westshore Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant, the Township of Severn has issued a boil water advisory for the customers in the are of Westshore.

Residents and properties in the affect area are required to boil water before consumption until at least Saturday.

TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA

A water conservation notice is in effect for residents on municipal water in the areas of Brechin and Lagoon City due to elevated turbidity levels in the water. Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential use during this period.

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If turbidity levels continue to rise, a boil water advisory may be issued. Residents may experience reduced water pressure or water supply interruptions until turbidity levels decrease and normal plant operations resume. Residents are advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water and other necessities during this time.

Potable water access is available from the outdoor tap at Fire Hall #1 at 3290 Ramara Road in Brechin. Water is also available by the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre in J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park at 500 Atherley Road in Orillia.

COLLINGWOOD

With the significant rainfall received in Collingwood this week, the wastewater treatment plant is currently experiencing a full treatment bypass, said Christa Carter in Collingwood..

Carter said all wastewater is going through the wastewater treatment plant and being disinfected by UV or chlorine, with monitoring, testing, and reporting being completed as required.

“To alleviate pressure on the system, we will continue to ask residents to limit water use until the partial bypass is also over,” she said.