Mayor of Harrison Hot Springs issues state of emergency after 2 water treatment pumps fail

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS — Harrison Hot Springs Mayor Ed Wood says his village has issued a state of local emergency on Wednesday (Nov. 1) after two of the three pumps at the water treatment facility failed, potentially impacting the availability of water for drinking and firefighting.

The emergency proclamation begins: “Today, November 1, 2023, I, Mayor Ed Wood, have issued a State of Local Emergency(SOLE) due to the failure of two of the three pumps at the water treatment facility and the resulting impact to the availability of water for drinking and firefighting. Public safety and the wellbeing of our residents is my top priority. The Village of Harrison Hot Springs operates a water treatment plant that provides potable water to the Village and is used by the Fire Department to extinguish fires, if required.”

Mayor Wood says there are three transfer pumps that pump treated potable water up to the water reservoir. One pump is currently in service, and the water treatment facility is functioning normally. However, two of the transfer pumps have failed. The Village has rented a backup external pump that can be used should the remaining pump fail. This external pump is scheduled to arrive later today. The two failed transfer pumps have been sent out for repair, with one expected to be returned in working order within the next few days.

“Currently, there is no impact to potable water supply or the Village’s firefighting capabilities. The reservoir is currently at full capacity and there are no concerns regarding water availability. The Village is taking all necessary steps to remediate this situation and ensure that there is no impact to the community,” Wood’s statement continued. “We are working with our partners including the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the Acting Fire Chief, the Emergency Program Coordinator and our neighbouring communities. I understand that there may be some questions or concerns from the public. The Village is committed to keeping the public informed of any developments.”