Petty Harbour Long Pond Water Treatment Facility Back Online

Effective mid-June 2015, the Petty Harbour Long Pond Water Treatment Plant will begin operation to provide an additional water supply for the residents of the City of St. John's.
 
“Our City is growing, and it has been determined that it is necessary to bring the Petty Harbour Long Pond Watershed back into operation,” said Jonathan Galgay, Chair of the Public Works Standing Committee.  “This water source, in the community of Kilbride, has been offline for several years, and local residents are often enjoying the watershed area for recreational activities such as dog walking and hiking. Although these particular activities are permitted, there are many restrictions in place to protect the integrity of the water supply and we are asking the public to respect the area, and do their part to protect the watershed.” 
 
To minimize the risk to the drinking water source, the City of St. John’s has increased patrols and surveillance of the watershed.  The following activities are prohibited within the watershed:

• Wood cutting
• Fires
• Camping
• Operating Motorized Equipment
• Boating
• Fishing
• Swimming

It is also important that pet owners pick up after their animals, and ensure their pet is on a leash in order to keep them out of the water.
 
“On June 10, local residents are invited to join us for a public information session,” said Councillor Galgay.  “City staff will be available to explain the treatment process at the plant, and to answer any questions or concerns that residents have regarding watershed protection.”
 
The public information session will take place at the Kilbride Community Centre, 34 Fahey Street on Wednesday June 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 
The Petty Harbour Long Pond water treatment plant, located in Kilbride, is the smallest of the three water treatment facilities operated by the City of St. John's.  The Windsor Lake reservoir services the east end of St. John’s and centre city. The Bay Bulls Big Pond water treatment facility is regional and services the west end of St. John’s, the City of Mount Pearl, the Town of Paradise, The Town of Portugal Cove St. Phillips, and the Town of Conception Bay South. 
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca