Halifax Water is again asking people to stay away from Halifax Harbor and clean up less.
In a press release Sunday night, the company said a sewage pump failure is causing “treated but untreated” sewage to be released into the harbor.
“Residents and visitors are strongly advised not to go swimming or participate in recreational activities that require contact with water in Halifax Harbor until further notice,” the statement said.
The utility is asking people living in Larry Uteck, Park West, Clayton Park, Fairview and parts of Halifax’s west and north ends to reduce the amount of water they run down their drains.
Halifax Water is asking customers in highlighted areas to reduce the amount of water they are flushing down their drains. This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment, the company says. (Halifax Water)
“This will help minimize the potential amount of wastewater released into the environment.”
It comes just over a week after the company said its Duffus Street sewage pump had returned to normal operation after another failure caused sewage and untreated stormwater to flow into the harbour.
A pump at the facility was replaced after that failure, Halifax Water spokesman Jake Fulton said.
“This replaced pump is experiencing some issues and our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to return it to service,” Fulton said.
Fulton said it is too early to say what caused the problems with the replacement pump and could not provide an estimate of when the problem would be fixed.
Halifax Water said Monday morning that it will provide an update when it has restored the wastewater system to normal operation.
“To ensure the safety of our communities and our staff, please maintain a safe distance when Halifax Water staff or contractors are working in your area,” the company said.