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Meaford restores drinking water 1 week after Johnny B's fire

Since the May 25 fire, residents have been using bottled water for food prep and consumption
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Smoke continued to rise from what was left of the building on Friday morning.

Drinking water has been restored for Meaford's residents a week after a fire destroyed Johnny B's Automotive and Car Care Shop on Sykes Street. 

Following the fire, the Municipality of Meaford declared an emergency and, because of environmental concerns following the major fire on May 25. Municipal water service was temporarily shut down, but restored within 24 hours. However, a do-not-consume advisory remained in place urging residents not to drink or food prep with municipal tap water. Warnings were issued advising people not to swim in the bay off the Meaford coastline, "out of an abundance of caution." 

On May 31 at 6:30 p.m. the municipality lifted the do-not-consume advisory after testing by Grey Bruce Public Health indicated the water was safe. Public health required four sets of samples taken from the municipal water system over three days before issuing its advice that the water was safe to consume. Swim warnings have also been lifted. 

“We appreciate the patience of the community during do-not-consume advisory, and commend our residents for their supportive and collaborative spirit as we moved through this challenge” said Meaford CAO Rob Armstrong in an update posted to the town's website.


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Erika Engel

About the Author: Erika Engel

Erika regularly covers all things news in Collingwood as a reporter and editor. She has 15 years of experience as a local journalist
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