Conception Bay South declares state of emergency after water main break; tanks may run dry, affecting 30,000 residents.
Conception Bay South Declares State of Emergency
A major water main break has forced Conception Bay South (C.B.S.), Newfoundland and Labrador, to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday, with Mayor Darrin Bent warning that the town’s water tanks could run dry within hours.
How the Crisis Began
Town officials detected the break shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday between Three Arm Pond and Three Island Pond, a critical supply line feeding Conception Bay South. The break has cut off the main water source for roughly 30,000 residents, creating an urgent conservation order and business closures across the town.
Immediate Actions Taken
By 2:30 p.m. NT, the town issued a state of emergency. All businesses were ordered to close immediately to preserve water, while residents were placed under a mandatory conservation order, restricting usage to emergency needs only. Officials are now coordinating with the City of St. John’s and the Regional Water Authority to determine repair timelines.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The crisis marks the second state of emergency in less than a month for C.B.S., following recent forest fire evacuations. Residents expressed growing frustration over back-to-back emergencies. Local businesses, including Hickey’s Greenhouses, say the water loss places their operations at severe risk, particularly during peak growing season.
Community Preparedness and Risks
Emergency water has been reserved for the fire department, while crews from Torbay, St. John’s, and Holyrood remain on standby in case of fire. However, Mayor Bent cautioned that even with strict conservation, the water supply is expected to run out. He emphasized uncertainty around repairs and warned that restoring water tanks could take significant time.
Ongoing Updates and School Closures
With schools scheduled to reopen Wednesday, officials are closely monitoring the situation. Upper Gullies Elementary has already announced a closure, while further decisions will depend on overnight water updates. Town officials have promised residents timely communication as the crisis continues.
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