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Boil water advisory has been issued for Springbrook

Fire knocked out water treatment facility
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Gladys Woodrow owner of the Springbrook General Store brings in a load of water to the store Wednesday afternoon. Woodrow has been selling more water than usual after fire knocked out the water plant that services the Red Deer Airport, Springbrook residents and businesses in the area. (Photo by Jeff Stokoe/Advocate staff)

While the hamlet of Springbrook waits for its water system to be fully restored after a fire knocked out its water plant, EPCOR issued a release late Wednesday afternoon that Alberta Health Services has issued a boil water order.

Red Deer Airport, Springbrook residents, and businesses located at the airport had no water service on Wednesday morning following the fire at the community’s water treatment facility.

The order states that safety of the drinking water may have been compromised. Consumption of the water without first boiling may result in illness.

As such, effective immediately upon restoration of water service, EPCOR advises that all users of Springbrook’s drinking water supply bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to any consumption, including: drinking, cleaning raw foods, brushing teeth, preparing infant formula or juices, making ice and handwashing dishes.

Water used for bathing, or for laundering of clothing, does not need to be boiled.

“Residents may instead choose to purchase and consume bottled water for the duration of this order. This order will remain in effect until further notice. Up-to-date information about the status of the order will be available on our website at www.epcor.com.”

Members of the public who have health-related questions can contact Health Link at 811.

Kayla Smith, Red Deer Airport director of Airport Development, Communications and Marketing, said that operations at the airport were continuing normally.

Arrangements were made for portable washrooms to be brought in to the airport, Smith said, adding updates will be posted on their website at flyreddeer.com and on their social media sites.

The fire occurred Tuesday evening at the water treatment facility. County Fire Services quickly got the fire under control but the treatment facility had to be shut down in order to fight the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crews were working at the water facility, which is located in Springbrook, and will continue until water is restored.

Tyler Harke, Corporate Communications manager for Red Deer County, said earlier Wednesday that County Fire Services are at the site and in the process of ensuring it is safe for EPCOR workers to begin repairs.

“Honestly, after that, I have no idea how long that would take, or the extent of the damage,” he said.

The county contracts EPCOR for their water services, and will continue to provide updates as soon as possible.

barr@www.reddeeradvocate.com