Boil Water Advisory Expected to Remain in Place Until June 19

Boil Water Advisory for Whycocomagh Expected to Remain in Place Until June 19

The Municipality of Inverness County is providing an update on the boil water advisory affecting users of the Whycocomagh Water System.

As of June 4, the boil water advisory remains in place. Following a recent inspection of the wells, it is anticipated that the advisory will remain in effect until approximately June 19.

“We understand the impact this advisory is having on residents and families in our community, and we appreciate the patience and understanding that everyone has shown,” said Melanie Beaton, Deputy CAO, Municipality of Inverness County, “While this update means the advisory will remain in place longer than we had hoped, identifying the source of the problem is an important step toward resolving it. We remain committed to keeping residents informed and restoring normal water service as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Cause of the Advisory

The Whycocomagh Water System is supplied by two wells (Production Well 1 and Production Well 2) that were installed in the 1970s and are approximately 300 feet deep.

A camera inspection conducted earlier this week revealed cracks and holes in the casing of Production Well 2, approximately 160 feet below ground.

As a result, silt and sediment are entering the well and causing turbidity (cloudiness).

The Solution

Short-term: The short-term solution involves shutting down Production Well 2 and installing an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the Whycocomagh Water Treatment Plant to treat water from Production Well 1 and ensure it is safe for consumption. In addition, a consultant will investigate the water system for leaks requiring repair.

Long-term: A senior hydrologist is currently identifying a suitable location for two new water supply wells near the existing wells. Once a site is selected, the new wells will be drilled.

Expected Timeline

Production Well 2 has been isolated from the system.

Installation of the UV disinfection system may take approximately two weeks, pending contractor availability. Once the system is installed and water testing confirms compliance with environmental regulations, the boil water advisory will be lifted.

It is too early to predict a timeline for the long-term solution.

Support for Residents

The Municipality will continue to provide drinking water and water vouchers to Whycocomagh Water System users. To help ensure residents have an adequate supply of water for the weekend, the upcoming water distribution will be considered a double collection.

Water Pick-Up Details

Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department, 9519 Trans Canda Highway, Whycocomagh

Impacted residents may collect two four-litre jugs of drinking water per person, to a maximum of six jugs per household:

• One-person household: two jugs (8 litres)
• Two-person household: four jugs (16 litres)
• Three or more people: six jugs (24 litres)

Water Voucher Program

In addition to the water pick-up program, the Municipality continues to partner with the Whycocomagh Co-op to provide water vouchers.

During the water pick-up, residents may collect a voucher that can be redeemed at the Whycocomagh Co-op (9402 Highway 105, Whycocomagh) for bottled drinking water.

The voucher program provides one four-litre jug of drinking water per person, to a maximum of three jugs per household:

• One-person household: one jug (4 litres)
• Two-person household: two jugs (8 litres)
• Three or more people: three jugs (12 litres)

Reminders

• Residents requiring assistance with water or voucher pick-up are asked to contact the Municipality’s Public Works Department at 1-866-258-0223, option 4.
• Updates will continue to be shared on invernesscounty.ca and on the Municipality’s Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to check these sources regularly for the latest information.
• Residents with additional questions may contact the Municipality’s Public Works Department at 1-866-258-0223, option 4 or email Publicworks@invernesscounty.ca .
• To learn more, visit Whycocomagh Boil Water Advisory Update | Municipality of the County of Inverness .

Background

The Municipality of Inverness County issued a boil water advisory on May 22, 2026 for the Whycocomagh Water System due to elevated turbidity levels that caused slight discolouration of the water. As a precaution, residents are advised to boil water before using it for drinking or food preparation.