Pembroke is close to restoring full water service after a major main break. Final testing happens next week as residents continue conserving water.
Pembroke Expects Water Service to Normalize Next Week
Repairs Near Completion After Week-Long Disruption
A major water main break that disrupted service in Pembroke, Ont., and neighbouring Laurentian Valley for more than a week is finally nearing resolution. City officials confirmed repairs are scheduled to be completed by Tuesday, with full water-quality testing set for Wednesday to ensure the system is safe before restrictions lift.
City Responds to Widespread Impact
The disruption began on Nov. 21, when residents were urged to significantly reduce water consumption for two weeks after the break put pressure on the municipal system. Some homes temporarily lost water entirely before service returned later the same evening. The only exception was Miramichi Lodge, a long-term care facility that remained offline longer due to its complex internal systems. In the interim, the County of Renfrew provided a temporary non-potable water supply to sustain essential operations.
Why Conservation Still Matters
Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais acknowledged the strain the situation has placed on residents but emphasized that cautious water use remains critical until repairs are fully verified. Fire protection capacity, he noted, is a key reason the city must maintain adequate reserves during the final phase of restoration. “The end is very near,” he said, reminding the public of the value of reliable water infrastructure.
Community Services Adjust to Limited Supply
Local organizations have also been forced to lower consumption, including The Grind, a volunteer-run service hub for vulnerable residents. Executive director Jerry Novack said the team switched to disposable plates and cups, scaled back laundry loads, and initially paused shower access entirely. The uncertainty around the repair timeline has frustrated many clients, but gradual shower bookings have resumed, and staff expect laundry services to follow as the system stabilizes.
Preparing for a Return to Normal
With a tentative restoration date now in hand, both residents and service providers are planning for operations to resume at full capacity next week. Officials will lift conservation requests only after water-quality tests confirm the system is safe, marking the final step in resolving one of the region’s most significant infrastructure challenges of the year.
