The Mayor of Owen Sound is expressing gratitude to residents, staff, and community partners following last weekend’s precautionary boil water advisory.
Ian Boddy says accredited lab testing confirmed there was no microbiological contamination in the municipal water supply. The advisory had been issued as a precaution due to elevated turbidity levels — or cloudiness — in the source water.
Boddy emphasized that the city’s water treatment system continued to operate as designed, and the advisory was issued in consultation with public health officials to ensure safety.
He thanked residents for their cooperation, noting that many followed guidelines by boiling water, reducing usage, and checking in on neighbours.
The mayor also recognized the efforts of community partners and organizations that helped support vulnerable residents, including Grey County, Supportive Outreach Services, United Way of Bruce Grey, OSHaRE, the Salvation Army, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce. Donations of bottled water from Bruce Power and Ice River Springs, along with distribution support from local partners, were also highlighted.
Special recognition was given to the Canadian Coast Guard for assisting with ice-breaking efforts near the city’s water intake.
Boddy says the situation demonstrated the value of the city’s emergency preparedness training, which helped coordinate a timely and effective response.
He adds the city will review the event and incorporate lessons learned into future planning.