Fuel spill in the City of Kawartha Lakes may impact private water supplies

Port Hope, ON (April 4, 2023) - The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is advising the public of a fuel spill in Sturgeon Lake as reported from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

A Drinking Water Advisory (DWA) has been issued for those drawing drinking water directly from Sturgeon Lake and part of Pitts Cove Road and Hazel Street to McLernon Street.

On Thursday, March 30 around 10:30 p.m. fuel odours from a culvert were reported to the local Fire Department where a boom was then placed in the lake near the culvert. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks was notified, and an inspector attended the spill the following day. Approximately 30 homes are affected.

The HKPR District Health Unit is urging people who draw water directly from this affected section of Sturgeon Lake to use bottled water for drinking purposes until further notice. Because of the nature of the fuel spill, boiling water is not effective. Water should not be used for cooking, making juice and infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables, dishwashing or brushing teeth. The DWA will remain in effect until the HKPR District Health Unit lifts it.

The City of Kawartha of Kawartha Lakes Public Works has retained an environmental consultant and a cleanup contractor. A source could not be determined. With further melting of the ice, it appears the spill area may be larger than determined on Friday but contained. The Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit are monitoring the water quality incident.  

For information related to the spill please contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks at
705-755-4300. For any public health concerns please contact the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext.5006

Media Contact:
Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca
Bernie Mayer, Manager of Environmental Health, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1423, bmayer@hkpr.on.ca

About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.