Media Releases

Halton Region working with Halton District School Board to ensure safety of school's water system
Release Date: Apr 21, 11

Halton Region was advised by the Halton District School Board that as a result of internal maintenance on the heating system at Iroquois Ridge High School, which was carried out on Wednesday, chemicals used in the cleaning process entered the potable water system of the school. As a result the School Board closed the school for Thursday, April 21. The school's potable water system is being flushed and tested. The on-site day care is open and using bottled water.

The risk of illness to students, staff and visitors to the school is considered low because the contamination event appeared to have occurred at school-closing time and the cleaning solution was significantly diluted.
“While the risk is considered low, possible health effects, which would have already occurred on Wednesday, April 20, could have included mild irritation of the eyes and skin and gastric discomfort. There are no long-term health affects expected,” said Dr. Monir Taha, Halton Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health.

Halton Region’s Public Works Department is confident that the quality of the drinking water to residents in the area was not compromised.

“Halton Region has a Backflow Prevention Program in place that helps to prevent potential contaminants inside a building from entering the water distribution system,” said Kiyoshi Oka, Halton Region’s Director of Water Services. “In this case, the appropriate device was in place to protect the Region’s water supply; however, staff are conducting localized water sampling as a precaution.”

Halton Region’s Health and Public Works departments are continuing to work with Halton District School Board to ensure the safety of the school’s water system.

For more information, dial 311 or call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866 or TTY 905-827-9833.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; Ontario Works (formerly social assistance); children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact:
Jeff Crowder
Strategic Communications
Halton Region
905-825-6000, x7968

Sharon Little
Manager, Communications
Halton Region
905-825-6000, x7576

Release Date: Apr 21, 11