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The state of our water

December 22, 2015   ·   0 Comments

Ward 8 Councillor, Chris Ross, showed examples of water filters, new (left) and used (right), as they would appear if used in a Tottenham residence. Ross asked council at Monday’s council meeting to not increase water and waste water rates for Tottenham residents, which are expected to increase, town-wide, in 2016. The increase, that will see water bills rise by $1.50–$3 per month per household, will not be used to offset the $15.6 million dollar cost to bring the water pipeline to Tottenham from Collingwood (this pipeline currently supplies Beeton and Alliston with clean water). Higher than normal levels of iron, methane and ammonia in the Tottenham well water is treated with chlorine – producing Trihalomethanes or THM’s – which cause the discoloration, although the water is safe to drink. Ross asked for a recorded vote of council on his motion to not extend the water and waste water increases to Tottenham residents, as they are not “receiving the same quality of water” and he could not accept an increase across the board. Council defeated the motion. The Water Master Plan will be updated in 2016, after 9 years with no changes. At that time, a public input session will be held and council, based on staff recommendations, will be able to vote on how to proceed with the water issue in Tottenham. Some options to be considered may be eligible for DC credit – but only if the solution allows for the continued growth of the community. Council may also consider less expensive and faster options that would have to be debentured or paid for through reserves.

Photo by Wendy Gabrek

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