July 17th 2001
Letter to Editor
North Renfrew Times
Deep River, Ontario
Town Vulnerability
We just had an exciting and interesting (???) experience on Monday (July 16th 2001) when the water line had broken (not too far from the Water Plant) and with that the whole Town was without drinking and potable water for almost 12 hours. This incident has brought out few areas of vulnerability to which the Town folks may be open for surprise and shock! Water Vulnerability
It seems that one failure of a water main can cripple the whole town and leave it without water for an extended period. It seems there is no bypass lines or loop for isolation of the area where the break may happen.
My understanding is that the pipeline is old and the where isolation valves are found these may not be working.
Pipe failure occurs even in new lines but the design of lines would allow that a section can be isolated for repairs without affecting the whole town. Communication Vulnerability
It seems that the failure of water main was known from Monday mid-morning by the Town personnel but most of us got to know about it late afternoon. No official communication but by word of mouth. The water break was mixed up with rumour that a Gas line (in the Town center) was also broken. Further, rumour spread that repair of water main
will take upto 3 days.
Luckily, we Deep River residents took all that in good stride . Many people bought blue water bottles (preparedness) and others (who got to know about it) lined up at Fire Dept to obtain water from a Water tanker. Many went to the Ottawa River (near Marina) to collect water in various forms of plastic containers in case needed for flushing of toilets.
There was sort of Carnival type atmosphere (well, Deep River residents can take it on the chin !)
The reality is that we are vulnerable to lack of official and correct Communication in times of disaster. Town has a WEB site and also Channel 12 (on COGECO Cable TV) but I did not see any news flash on these mediums.
Are we prepared for disaster here in Deep River? Or are we vulnerable? Who is our spokes person and leader in these circumstances.
Other Vulnerabilities I am now not sure that there may be other vulnerabilities that we may be open too.
Is Town prepared for these? Do we have Emergency Preparedness Plan and if one is existing, was that followed during Monday”™s water main break.
I am sure if the water main had broken after office hours, the spare pipes and valves necessary
(from out of town -Pembroke) would have taken more time aand effort and repairs at night would be taxing. What would happen if such incident happen in cold winter?
These concerns need addressing.
Pravin Shah