The mayor of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Andrée Bouchard, declared a local state of emergency on Wednesday, due to a major water main break that occurred 48 hours ago which deprived more than 26,000 people of water. homes, businesses or industries.
The water cut affects half of the population and affects the sectors of Saint-Luc, L’Acadie and Saint-Jean. It will last at least until the end of Thursday, due to the long and delicate operation that a water main repair represents, the city of Montérégie said in a press release.
In this context, Mme Bouchard therefore declared a local state of emergency. This measure grants “exceptional powers to the City, in order to take immediate solution actions in the context of a complex and evolving situation”.
The water main break in question occurred at the intersection of Saint-Jacques and Caldwell streets more than 48 hours ago. A “junction broke on a main pipe with a diameter of 750 millimeters which supplies the north of the city”, detailed the municipality.
Those affected by the cut can go to the Terminus or Carrefour Richelieu to receive two 4-liter containers of drinking water per day for each address.
Residents whose tap still provides water, but at a low flow, can consume it provided they boil it first for at least one minute.
The City is also launching a “call for solidarity” so that citizens who still benefit from water reduce their consumption.
Further details will follow.
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