Update – Wastewater System has returned to Normal Operations
(August 4, 2022) Halifax Water has safely completed emergency repairs to its Duffus Street wastewater pump station, and the system has returned to normal operations. The pump went into operation Wednesday evening and was monitored overnight. Wastewater and stormwater are now being pumped from this station to the Halifax Wastewater Treatment Facility on Upper Water Street.
Impacted customers can now resume regular discharges into their drains. We want to thank everyone for their assistance over the past few days.
We have notified applicable federal, provincial, and municipal entities that we have returned to normal operations.
Halifax Water wants to remind residents that flushing should be limited to ONLY the 3Ps (pee, poo, and paper) even under regular operation. So-called “flushable wipes” are not flushable and belong in your garbage. These wipes do not break down and clog our wastewater treatment facility screens, filters, and pumping station pumps. This is costly to Halifax Water in both time and resources during this critical period. To learn more, visit https://www.halifaxwater.ca/notice/toilet-paper-one-and-only-flushable-wipe.
We expect the harbour to return to its natural condition over the next two days. As this occurs, we caution residents and visitors about swimming or participating in recreational activities that require water contact.
We apologize for any inconvenience this emergency repair work may have caused, and we want to thank our customers and residents for their patience and cooperation.
To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area.
Update – Emergency Wastewater Pump Repair
(August 3, 2022) Halifax Water safely completed emergency repairs to its Duffus Street wastewater pump station at 10:30 pm last night. However, when testing commenced, the pump was quickly overwhelmed and clogged with rags and wipes (see attached photo). Crews are working as safely and as quickly as possible to unclog the pump and screen. Once this activity is completed, testing will commence to return the system to normal operations.
We will notify the public as soon as we return to normal operations.
While work continues, Halifax Water wants to remind residents that flushing should be limited to ONLY the 3Ps (pee, poo, and paper) even under regular operation.
So-called “flushable wipes” are not flushable and belong in your garbage. These wipes do not break down and clog our wastewater treatment facility screens, filters, and pumping station pumps. This is costly to Halifax Water in both time and resources during this critical period. To learn more, visit https://www.halifaxwater.ca/notice/toilet-paper-one-and-only-flushable-wipe.
We continue to ask customers in the impacted areas to reduce the amount of water they are flushing and pouring into their drains. This will help minimize the amount of wastewater released into the environment. To learn more, visit www.halifaxwater.ca/reducing-wastewater.
We apologize for any inconvenience during these emergency repairs, and we want to thank our customers and residents for their patience and cooperation.
To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area.
UPDATE: Halifax - Screened Wastewater Overflow
(August 1, 2022) Halifax Water crews are continuing to work as quickly and as safely as possible to repair a failed wastewater pump that is causing screened but untreated wastewater to be released into Halifax Harbour.
While this work continues, residents and visitors are strongly advised not to go swimming or participate in recreational activities requiring water contact in Halifax Harbour until further notice. We have made the applicable federal, provincial, and municipal entities aware of this incident.
To reduce the potential environmental impact during this repair, Halifax Water is asking customers in the areas shown on the attached map to reduce the amount of water they are flushing and pouring into their drains. This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment. To learn more, visit halifaxwater.ca/reducing-wastewater.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter and will issue a follow-up announcement once we have restored the wastewater system to normal operations.
To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area.
Original PSA (July 31, 2022) - Halifax Water is working to repair a failed wastewater pump that is causing screened but untreated wastewater to be released into the Halifax Harbour. Halifax Water staff are working quickly and safely to return the system to normal operations.
While this work continues, residents and visitors are strongly advised not to go swimming or participate in recreational activities requiring water contact in Halifax Harbour until further notice. We have made the applicable federal, provincial, and municipal entities aware of this incident.
To reduce the potential environmental impact during this repair, Halifax Water is asking customers in the areas shown on the attached map to reduce the amount of water they are flushing and pouring into their drains. This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment. To learn more, visit halifaxwater.ca/reducing-wastewater.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter and will issue a status update tomorrow morning.
To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area.