Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.
Clean water is essential for a variety of reasons. For many Halton Hills residents, this means navigating the challenges of water hardness levels greater than most other Ontario municipalities. Isobel and Jim White — who’ve lived in Georgetown for nearly half a century — never drink from their tap. “The water quality has never been the best,” said Isobel, adding that the purchase of a water softener with every move was always top priority.
The provincial government has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Georgetown. The Department of Health said Georgetown is reactivating its water system Monday. As a precautionary measure, residents are asked to bring their water to a rolling boil for two minutes before drinking or cooking. Residents are advised there may be some water discoloration. If that is the case, they should let the water run for a few minutes before using it.
